Sen. Hawley’s Legislation Targets Cash Awards for Federal Bureaucrats

Senator Josh Hawley from Missouri is taking action to prevent federal officials from receiving cash awards. He plans to introduce the ‘No Cash Prizes for Bureaucrats Act,’ following criticisms directed at Dr. Anthony Fauci for accepting over $1 million during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hawley confronted Fauci in a Senate hearing, alleging that Fauci manipulated federal rules to secure cash prizes. These rules already prevent government employees from seeking such rewards. The newly proposed law aims to close these loopholes.

No federal bureaucrat should accept cash prizes while on the job. That’s why I’m introducing legislation to bar federal employees from accepting cash prizes or soliciting awards. Fauci got rich while millions of people died. It can never happen again,

The legislation intends to prohibit federal employees from receiving or soliciting rewards, particularly related to medicine and research. It will also enhance existing regulations that prevent NIH officials from using their roles to seek such awards.

This bill emerged after Hawley challenged Fauci during a Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing. During this session, Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment over 100 times, which Hawley interpreted as evasion.

Hawley cited Fauci’s use of federal employees to secure cash awards for himself, including a $900,000 prize. Emails from Fauci’s staff, such as those from Greg Folkers, showed discussions about boosting Fauci’s nomination for the Dan David Prize, which offended Hawley.

Hawley accused Fauci of converting government personnel into a team focused on prize applications. Among the awards pursued were those from the Partnership for Public Service, the Adelson Prize, and others.

Reporter Information: Anders Hagstrom covers national politics and breaking news for Fox News Digital. Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.