The Monday House Oversight Committee hearing, held to discuss COVID-19 response efforts and origins, quickly descended into chaos as GOP lawmakers targeted Dr. Anthony Fauci, former White House chief medical officer.
An Astonishing attack by GOP Lawmakers
Leading the charge was Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who showed little respect for Fauci during her questioning. Greene overlooked addressing the medical officer as “doctor” and called for his imprisonment on the grounds of alleged “crimes against humanity.”
Allegations against Fauci
In her offensive questioning, Greene bizarrely accused Fauci of endorsing medical experiments similar to animal torture during his tenure as a health officer. This is despite Fauci never holding the directorial role at the National Institutes of Health, but rather the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Greene emotionally claimed, “As a dog lover, I want to tell you this is disgusting and evil.” She held up pictures of canines allegedly involved in scientific experiments without providing substantial evidence or context.
Misrepresentation of COVID Guidelines
Greene further accusingly stated that Fauci had fabricated the COVID guidelines like social distancing and mask-wearing. Dr. Fauci, however, asserted these guidelines were based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s directives. These measures were put in effect even before the knowledge that the virus is airborne and is not just spread by droplets.
A Profound Disregard for Decorum
Despite Democratic members of the committee objecting, Greene intensified her onslaught on Fauci by questioning his credentials. Accusing Fauci of various unspecified crimes, she even demanded the revocation of his medical license and imprisonment for these alleged misdeeds.
However, the committee’s rules were reiterated by Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-Ohio). He took an opportunity to remind Greene of decorum rules, stating that she should address Fauci with his professional title.
Disproving False Accusations
Several panel members called for Greene’s remarks to be removed from the transcript leading to yet another outburst. The medical professional spent a considerable part of the hearing dismissing claims that he had suppressed evidence supporting the lab-leak theory in preference of the animal-to-human transmission theory of the virus’s origin.
Fauci stated, “I have repeatedly stated that I have a completely open mind to either possibility and that if definitive evidence becomes available to validate or refute either theory, I will readily accept it.”
Fauci’s Treatment Unsettles Democratic Members
The stormy hearing had a moment of sympathy as well. Multiple Democrats expressed their regrets and shared humor about Fauci’s treatment during the hearing.
“They’re treating you, Dr. Fauci, like a convicted felon,” Maryland Rep. Jamie Raskin commented. He jokingly added Fauci would probably prefer the treatment of a convicted felon given the chaos.
As it stands, Fauci remains committed to his service amid baseless accusations and disrespect, relying on science and understanding in the face of adversity.