Sen. Paul Introduces Amendment to Eliminate Fauci's Position

MAR 14 2022·Updated JAN 23 2023

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Image credit: AP [via New York Post]

The Facts

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) on Mon. introduced an amendment that would eliminate Dr. Fauci's position as Dir. of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).
FOX News
The amendment would reorganize the NIAID into 3 distinct research institutions with separate directors. Each director would be appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate for 5-yr terms.
Senate
Paul issued a statement saying "no one person should be deemed 'dictator-in-chief,' with "unilateral authority to make decisions for millions of Americans."
FOX News
There is currently a Congressional proposal circulating to create a bipartisan 9/11-style commission to address pandemic response. Fauci has been under intense scrutiny by Paul and other GOP members, while Democrats have focused on Trump's COVID policies.
wapo
Paul has vowed to subpoena Fauci if the Republicans take control of the Senate in the 2020 midterms.
ITN

Sources Split

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The Spin

Left narrative

Fauci has become the scapegoat for the right to cash in Red America's anger. His targeting is extremely dangerous and has created hatred of a respected scientist and public servant. He's the boogeyman for the right's COVID angst and conspiracy theories.

Slate

Right narrative

Fauci has been allowed to become COVID czar for the entire US. He's evolved into a petty tyrant despite his massive mistakes on lockdowns, remote learning, vaccines, natural immunity, masks, and gain-of-function research. This amendment is about creating oversight and responsibility for a taxpayer-funded position.