Sen.
Rand Paul is pushing back against critics who say his effort to hold Dr. Anthony Fauci in contempt is just about finding a fall guy for the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Paul, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, spoke with TMZ after Thursday's contempt vote and said Americans who lost loved ones deserve answers.
Paul's Response to Critics
When asked what he says to those who think he's simply trying to pin the pandemic on Fauci, Paul didn't mince words.
He pointed to the more than 1 million Americans who died, many of them alone, and blamed Fauci for virtually all of the pandemic policies.
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For Paul, it comes down to the families. He says those who lost loved ones deserve answers.
TMZ's Jacob suggested giving Fauci immunity to get those answers, and Paul's response was notable.
Contempt Vote and Reactions
As reported, the committee voted 8-5 Thursday to hold Fauci in contempt after he refused to answer questions at last week's hearing, pleading the Fifth 111 times.
Sen.
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Rick Scott also weighed in, saying former President Joe Biden's pardon stripped Fauci of his Fifth Amendment protection because he no longer faced prosecution for the pardoned conduct.
When Charlie pointed out Fauci could still face consequences if he lied during the hearing, Scott fired back, "All he had to do was tell the truth."
Scott rejected the idea that the contempt push was retribution, declaring his intention was simply to get information.
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Republicans say they're hunting for answers, while Fauci seemingly thinks they're hunting for him.
