The fallout from Dr. Anthony Fauci’s recent Senate testimony continues as Sen. Rand Paul says a contempt of Congress resolution could soon move forward. Paul stated that if the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approves the measure next week, it could be referred directly to the Department of Justice for possible review, rather than going through the full legislative process.

Paul argued that because the measure is a congressional resolution—not a bill creating new law—it may not require approval from the full Senate, House, or president. He also revealed he previously sent multiple criminal referrals to the Justice Department, alleging Fauci lied to Congress and improperly destroyed records. Fauci has denied any wrongdoing, and no court has found him guilty of those allegations.

During the hearing, Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination on the advice of his attorneys and declined to answer numerous questions related to the government’s COVID-19 response, including NIH funding, coronavirus research, lockdowns, and vaccine guidance. Republicans criticized his refusal to testify, while Democrats defended his decision, arguing he faced repeated public calls for prosecution and was exercising a constitutional right.

The committee is expected to vote on the contempt resolution next week. If approved, lawmakers will decide whether to refer the matter to the Department of Justice for review. Such a referral does not itself establish criminal liability or require prosecutors to file charges, as any further action would depend on the DOJ’s independent evaluation of the evidence.