A US Senate committee voted to hold Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, in contempt of Congress. This decision follows Fauci’s refusal to comply with a subpoena and answer questions during a recent hearing. The hearing centered on his role in the US government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Republicans on the committee accuse Fauci of downplaying the possibility of a lab leak and misleading the public. Democrats criticized the move as a politically motivated attack. The contempt citation means the matter could potentially move to the Justice Department for consideration of criminal charges, though that is not guaranteed. Fauci maintains his testimony has been extensive and transparent.