A Senate committee has held former US infectious-disease official Dr Anthony Fauci in contempt of Congress after he invoked the Fifth Amendment 111 times during questioning. The move is significant because it refers the matter to the Justice Department and tests whether President Trump’s newly appointed Attorney General will pursue a politically sensitive case involving a prominent figure from the Covid-19 response.

Congressional contempt is generally used when a witness refuses testimony, documents or information sought through an inquiry, particularly under subpoena. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee’s action does not itself establish guilt or guarantee prosecution; the Justice Department would decide whether to take the referral further, potentially leaving the dispute to the courts.