(The Center Square) – U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., tossed former Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Anthony Fauci’s attorney from a hearing Wednesday after a heated exchange.
“You are not recognized,” Paul repeatedly told the lawyer when he attempted to speak.
Before the exchange, the lawyer had also sat at Fauci’s table after being directed not to, according to Paul.
“This testimony is from Anthony Fauci. This is not a game with his lawyers,” Paul said. “His lawyers can give him advice. He’s got a half dozen here. They are all allowed to talk to him… but the attorneys are not recognized,” Paul said.
Paul called security over to remove Fauci’s lawyer after repeating that he was not recognized to speak more than ten times and warning that he would be thrown out of the hearing if he continued to try to do so.
Congressional rules dictate that those present at a hearing can only speak when actively permitted by the committee chairman.
Fauci’s hearing was scheduled after Paul obtained access to his private pandemic-era diary, with Paul claiming that it contained damning evidence that Fauci made public health decisions that directly contradicted his private knowledge.
Fauci declined to answer questions, citing his Fifth Amendment right. The 85-year-old refused questions from multiple lawmakers Wednesday morning, and it was after Fauci consistently declined to respond otherwise that Paul challenged him on it and Fauci’s lawyer attempted to intervene.
“The chairman has denied your assertion of privilege and directed you to answer, but you nonetheless refuse and stand on privilege. Despite the existence of the pardon, the committee will have to consider after this hearing what appropriate action should be taken against you for the failure to testify after being directed to do so,” Paul said. “It’s against the law to obstruct an investigation of Congress. There will be repercussions to your refusal to testify today.”
