WATCH: Sen. Paul asks security to escort one of Dr. Fauci’s lawyers out of committee hearing [HRjwsGcbaUq]
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., told former top health official and scientist Dr. Anthony Fauci that there would be “repercussions” from his “refusal to testify,” during a hearing Wednesday held by the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Fauci, who was subpoenaed by Paul, the committee chair, said he would invoke the Fifth Amendment and decline to answer questions citing Paul’s previous comments about wanting to incarcerate him. “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.” After Paul’s comments, one of Fauci’s lawyers appeared to speak. Paul quickly said the lawyer was not recognized and threatened to remove him from the hearing. “You will respect these proceedings. You were told not to sit at the table. You insist on sitting at the table, and we told you you would not be recognized,” Paul said. “You are not invited here for testimony, sir. You are being disruptive.” After a back and forth between Paul and Fauci’s lawyer, Paul instructed security to remove the lawyer from the hearing. “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're all allowed to talk to him. But the attorneys are not recognized.” Watch PBS News for daily, breaking and live news, plus special coverage. We are home to PBS News Hour, ranked the most credible and objective TV news show. Sign up for Here's The Deal with Lisa Desjardins: Subscribe for exclusive content in our newsletters: PBS News podcasts: Stream your PBS favorites with the PBS app: Find more from PBS News at Subscribe to our YouTube channel: Follow us: TikTok: X: Instagram: Facebook: