WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has come under fire as lawmakers pressed him on the U.S. response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The hearing was heated, with Republicans questioning Dr. Fauci on a wide range of issues related to Covid-19 and the pandemic, while many Democrats took the time to defend him.
“In my time, this man no longer deserves a license. In fact, he should be stripped of his license and sent to prison,” said Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia.
For more than four hours, the former top infectious disease expert was questioned about public health recommendations during the pandemic, such as the 1.80 meter distance rule.
“This six-foot rule has crippled businesses. It has allowed students to stay home and not learn,” said Republican Rep. John Joyce (Pa.).
Fauci defended other recommendations such as the need for vaccines against the coronavirus.
“Vaccines save lives. It’s very clear that vaccines have saved hundreds of thousands of Americans,” Fauci said.
Fauci was also asked whether the virus arose naturally or came from a laboratory in China.
“I have an open mind as to the origin,” Fauci said.
Democrats criticized Republicans for holding this hearing and supported Fauci’s testimony.
“He did not fund research that led to the Covid-19 pandemic. He did not lie to Congress about gain-of-function research in Wuhan,” said Democratic Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland.
Some of these attacks have put Fauci and his family in danger.
“Are you still receiving threats today?” asked Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Missouri).
Fauci said, “Every time someone stands up and says I am responsible for the deaths of people around the world, the death threats increase.”
Fauci also said the U.S. needs to better prepare for the next pandemic when it strikes, for example by improving communication between the federal government and local governments.
