Fauci refuses to testify at Senate hearing
Dr. Anthony Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination during a contentious Senate hearing on Wednesday, refusing to answer questions about his role in the Covid-19 pandemic response. The move stunned lawmakers on both sides of the aisle and marked a dramatic turn in the long-running investigation into the origins of the pandemic and the government's response to it.
Fauci's attorney argued that the political climate made it impossible for his client to receive a fair hearing. Republicans on the committee accused Fauci of hiding the truth, while Democrats cautioned against turning the hearing into a spectacle.
House passes defense bill, Democrats ready Iran war vote
House Republicans passed a hard-right defense bill that includes several provisions favored by President Trump, including restrictions on Pentagon diversity programs and limits on troop withdrawals from allied nations. The bill also authorizes increased military spending to address growing threats from China and Iran.
In response to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, House Democrats began preparing a war powers resolution that would limit the president's ability to conduct military operations against Iran without congressional approval. The resolution faces an uphill battle in the Republican-controlled chamber but has drawn support from anti-war Democrats and some libertarian-leaning Republicans.
Senate confirms Jay Clayton as intelligence chief
The Senate voted to confirm Jay Clayton, a former SEC chairman, as the new director of national intelligence. Clayton's nomination was opposed by Democrats who questioned his lack of intelligence community experience. Republicans praised his legal background and said he would bring much-needed reform to the intelligence apparatus.