Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) is demanding that the National Institutes of Health retain documents connected to outgoing National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci as the lawmaker prepares to ratchet up his long-standing feud with the health official.
As a parting gift to Fauci, Paul vowed to carry on with his investigations into the doctor’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and allegations that he “funneled tax dollars to fund dangerous research in communist China.” The senator explained that the preservation of Fauci documents is critical for his investigation of the doctor.
RAND PAUL SAYS FAUCI RETIRING WON’T STOP INVESTIGATION INTO ORIGINS OF COVID-19
“I formally request you ensure the preservation of all documents and communications within Dr. Fauci’s possession related to his tenure at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). This information is critical to ensure that Congress has access to information necessary to conduct proper oversight,” Paul wrote in a letter to Lawrence Tabak, acting director of the NIH, as reported by the Daily Caller.
Fauci, 81, revealed Monday that he will be concluding his 38 years of service as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and his comparatively brief tenure as chief medical adviser to President Joe Biden in December. NIAID operates under NIH.
For nearly two years, Paul has emerged as a leading adversary to Fauci, often berating him in viral fiery exchanges in Senate hearings. They have clashed over COVID-19 measures and vaccines, the virus’s origins, and gain-of-function research.
Fauci has accused Paul of misleading the public, playing political games, and kindling the “crazies.” But Paul has been undeterred. Other Republicans seem keen on continuing to scrutinize Fauci despite his departure from the government.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) left the door open to subpoenaing Fauci if Republicans retake the lower chamber after the midterm elections.
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy on if he’d subpoena Dr. Fauci:
“I really don’t trust anyone that keeps a mural of themselves in their office … Those type of individuals should have to come and answer the questions.”
Fox’s Jesse Watters: “Well, then you wouldn’t trust me.” pic.twitter.com/PV7SsNluYh
— The Recount (@therecount) August 23, 2022
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Fauci has been adamant that he has “nothing to hide.”
“I believe that oversight is an important part of the government process. Some of the things that have gone on have been outright character assassination. That’s not oversight,” he told Fox News’s Neil Cavuto on Tuesday. “So if they want to get into legitimate dignified oversight, I’d be more than happy to do that.”
The doctor added, “While I am moving on from my current positions, I am not retiring,” and he teased that he will focus on the next phase of his career to further scientific advancement.
