'This isn't a hearing': GOP senators' attempts to burn absent Dems immediately backfire

Republican senators’ attack on Democrats for skipping a Senate “hearing” ended with a blunt correction from the only Democrat in the room.

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee met Wednesday to consider seeking immunity for a former longtime assistant to Dr. Anthony Fauci. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), the committee chairman, said the testimony could advance his investigation into whether federal records were destroyed.

Before a committee vote, Sen. Bernie Moreno (R-OH) echoed Paul’s criticism of Democrats, comparing the absent lawmakers to “middle school kids” and accusing them of refusing to work.

“The American people want a government that actually works, not a government that acts like a bunch of middle school petulant children,” Moreno said.

After the vote, which failed on party lines, Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) disputed Paul’s description of Democrats and said she hoped the committee could resolve the matter constructively.

Moreno then jumped back in.

“It is indisputable that the Democrats didn’t show up for a hearing,” he said. “I guess when you get paid to be a United States senator, it’s optional to show up to committee hearings.”

“This isn’t a hearing, as you know,” Hassan replied.

Paul immediately adjourned the meeting. The committee officially listed the proceeding Wednesday as a “business meeting.”

But Paul promised to continue the fight.

“This is disappointing,” he said. “It doesn’t end here. I will personally be sending a letter to the Department of Justice asking them to pursue this.”