exchange ideas in a civil manner and civil discussion ensues.

OK. Let's try.

Biden's pardon is for acts committed on or before the date of the pardon. The pardon doesn't extend to acts after the date of the pardon. (It is my understanding that is true of any pardon, not just this one. So there's nothing unique here.)

If Dr. Fauci commits a crime after the date of the pardon, he can be prosecuted for that. One potential crime would be perjury in sworn testimony to Congress.

Dr. Fauci has testified multiple times before Congress and provided lots of information to them. There is virtually nothing new he can testify to regarding COVID. At least that is his opinion. He believes the only purpose for this hearing is for the Senators to find him saying something inconsistent with previous testimony, which could be construed as committing perjury. Therefore, the best way for Dr. Fauci to avoid committing perjury is for him to take the 5th in his Congressional testimony today. Further, it is his right to take the 5th, just as many others have done in sworn testimony before both Congress and the Courts over the years. Including Trump. On multiple occasions.

--Peter