Senate panel holds Fauci in contempt over refusal to answer COVID-19 questions

A Senate panel voted Thursday to hold Anthony Fauci in contempt for repeatedly declining to answer questions last week from lawmakers investigating the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. Why it matters: Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) has said he will refer the contempt resolution to the Department of Justice for possible prosecution. That could set up a legal clash, since former President Biden preemptively pardoned Fauci before leaving office. The big picture: The 8-5 vote by the Senate Homeland…