Rand Paul accuses Tom Cotton of blocking gain-of-function documents

Senator Rand Paul has accused Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton of attempting to conceal documents related to gain-of-function research. Paul stated that internal communications between Anthony Fauci and an assistant may reveal the existence of worrisome gain-of-function programs that were previously unknown.

Paul noted an internal conflict within Congress regarding the investigation. He claimed that Cotton has requested the Director of National Intelligence to withhold information from the committee. Additionally, Paul expressed concerns regarding the lack of independent scientific oversight for classified research, which he believes is often categorized under biodefense or bioweapons to avoid disclosure.

Separately, Democratic senators recently blocked an effort by Paul to secure testimony from an unnamed assistant to Anthony Fauci. The assistant is alleged to have destroyed federal records on Fauci’s behalf.