Hawley Proposes Bill Against Federal Bounties
Senator Josh Hawley (R-Missouri) is set to introduce a bill on Thursday aimed at preventing federal officials from accepting bounties. This announcement comes shortly after Hawley criticized Dr. Anthony Fauci for reportedly taking in over $1 million in bounties during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During a Senate hearing on Wednesday, Hawley accused Fauci of exploiting a legal loophole that prohibits government employees from seeking monetary prizes or other forms of compensation. The proposed legislation, named the “Zero Bounties for Bureaucrats Act,” intends to close these loopholes for good.
“Federal officials shouldn’t be accepting bounties while performing their duties. That’s why we’re introducing this legislation to stop them from soliciting or accepting any bounties. Mr. Fauci profited while countless lives were lost, and we can’t let that happen again,” Hawley expressed in a statement.
Hawley presented public records indicating that, during his tenure as director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Fauci had solicited at least eight bounties, including one significant bounty check worth $900,000.
The proposed law aims not only to bar federal employees from receiving any compensation for medical work or research but also from requesting such benefits. Additionally, it would reinforce existing federal regulations that restrict National Institutes of Health employees from using their official time to seek financial rewards.
This bill follows Hawley’s sharp criticism of Fauci during the previous day’s Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, where Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment more than 100 times.
Hawley remarked, “I think I get why you’re refusing to answer questions. It’s because you don’t want to address the truth, especially considering that you profited during a devastating pandemic.” He added that Fauci had allegedly used federal resources to apply for and solicit awards worth over $1 million.
When pressed for answers, Fauci maintained, “On the advice of my attorney, I respectfully invoke my Fifth Amendment rights and will not respond.” Hawley then pointed out internal emails from Fauci’s team discussing award nominations, including one for the Dan David Award, suggesting they should enhance Fauci’s nomination by emphasizing his COVID-19 response.
Hawley noted that the Dan David Award included a prize of $900,000. He claimed that Fauci attempted to utilize federal staff to obtain this and other honors, including awards from well-known organizations. “You’ve turned your staff into a full-time application hub,” he criticized. “You’ve even written to people asking, ‘Do you think I might be eligible?'”
