"I respectfully decline to answer based upon my rights under the Fifth Amendment to the Constitution," Fauci repeatedly said throughout the hearing. Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment each time. Hawley said before arguing Fauci had no Fifth Amendment protection because he received a presidential pardon from former President Joe Biden in early 2025. "Federal law prohibits the solicitation of cash awards using federal employees, federal resources, federal offices, federal email and federal time. Each time Hawley asked whether he violated federal ethics rules or used government resources for personal gain, Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment.