Republicans propose the FAUCI Act to prevent ex-health officials from profiting from medical research

EXCLUSIVE — House Republicans are set to introduce a bill seeking to prohibit former government employees of health agencies from profiting off medical research or products, specifically targeting former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci.

Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ) filed the Fixing Administrations Unethical Corrupt Influence Act, or the FAUCI Act, on Wednesday, seeking to block former health agency officials from getting involved in the development or research of any drugs, biological products, or devices, according to a copy of the legislation first obtained by the Washington Examiner. The legislation would apply to ex-employees from three health organizations, including the Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the National Institutes of Health.

“As we saw through the COVID-19 pandemic, there is a lot of distrust of the government officials and bureaucrats who appear to profit from their work on the taxpayers’ dime after leaving their jobs,” Lesko said in a statement. “My bill seeks to rebuild trust and transparency of this vital component of our nation, holding public servants to higher standards when they leave government. I am thankful for my colleagues who have joined me in support of this legislation, and I hope it receives swift consideration in Congress.”

If passed, the FAUCI Act would block former health officials from profiting off any product the employee was involved with its production, including the approval of any grants. The bill would also ban top health officials from owning or profiting from drug patents or other medical products.

The bill comes as Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) introduces the same piece of legislation in the Senate.

“Public health officials cannot be allowed to abuse their roles to enrich themselves and pharmaceutical companies,” Vance said. “This legislation will shut the revolving door between Big Pharma and federal agencies tasked with protecting the American people. It would go a long way in restoring trust in our government.”

Lesko is joined by six GOP co-sponsors in the House, including Reps. Andy Biggs (R-AZ), Dan Bishop (R-NC), Diana Harshbarger (R-TN), Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), Greg Steube (R-FL), and Joe Wilson (R-SC).

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The legislation comes nearly a year and a half after Fauci stepped down from his top position at the NIH in late 2022. However, the top infectious diseases expert has remained under scrutiny by GOP lawmakers for his role in overseeing the country’s response to COVID-19. Republican lawmakers argue Fauci exerted too much power over the pandemic response and the development of vaccines.

The bill also comes one week after Fauci agreed to testify before House lawmakers investigating the country’s coronavirus response, marking the first time he will appear for testimony since leaving government. That hearing is scheduled for June 3.