Two Docs Walk into Congress

Capitol Hill was split and busy this week.

The Senate Homeland Security Committee voted 8-5 Thursday to hold Dr. Fauci in contempt of Congress for pleading the Fifth 100+ times last week. Fauci said he feared being tricked into perjury and facing new charges; Republicans counter that President Biden’s pardon shields him from incriminating himself for actions between 2014-2025, nullifying his legal right to plead the Fifth (check out our three-minute recap on pleading the Fifth).

Fauci’s lawyer called the move a “crude political stunt.” Committee Chairman Paul (R-KY) bypassed the full-Senate-approval step, not wanting to “waste time,” and sent the criminal referral straight to the DOJ.

Meanwhile, the full chamber voted 51-44 (red v. blue with one Dem crossover) Wednesday to confirm Dr. Erica Schwartz as CDC Director, giving the agency its first permanent leader in almost a year.

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PRAY WITH US
Righteous Lawgiver, give wisdom to our fallen leaders legislating in a fallen world, so that they might manage sin-caused chaos with dignity and skill. Direct their steps so they can direct a diverse country toward flourishing and goodwill and peace. Give them insight into the needs of their constituents and courage to lead, so they might serve out of love instead of performing for their own gain. Give them favor among their colleagues, so they earn and carefully steward trust and negotiate in good faith. And when they disagree on the best way forward, may they model gentleness, respect, and humility, creatively compromising to bring about the good of the public. Amen.