Fauci testifies about Covid-19 response

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) – Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, was in the hot seat as lawmakers pressed him on the U.S.’ response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sparks flew throughout the hearing. Republicans grilled Dr. Fauci over a wide range of topics related to Covid-19 and the pandemic, while many Democrats took time to defend him.

“In my time, that man does not deserve to have a license, as a matter of fact it should be revoked and he belong in prison,” said Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.).

For more than four hours, the former top infectious disease expert, was questioned about public health recommendations during the pandemic, like the six-foot social distance rule.

“This six-foot rule crippled businesses. It allowed students to stay at home and not learn,” said Rep. John Joyce (R-Pa.).

Fauci defended other recommendations like the necessity for vaccines against the coronavirus.

“Vaccines save lives. It is very very clear that vaccines have saved hundreds and thousands of Americans,” said Fauci.

Fauci was also asked about whether the virus naturally developed or if it came from a lab in China.

“I keep an open mind as to what the origin is,” said Fauci.

Democrats called out Republicans for holding this hearing and supported Fauci’s statement.

“He did not fund research to create the Covid-19 pandemic. He did not lie to Congress about gain of function research in Wuhan,” said Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.).

Some of these attacks have put Fauci and his family in danger.

“Do you continue to receive threats today?” asked Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.).

Fauci said, “Every time someone gets up and says I’m responsible for the death of people throughout the world, the death threats go up.”

Fauci also said that the U.S. needs to better prepare for the next pandemic when it happens, like better communications between the federal and local governments.

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