Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) has consistently played a prominent role in various controversies and allegations directed toward former President Donald Trump. Starting with the allegations of Russian collusion, followed by the fabricated scandal concerning military aid in Ukraine and even extending to the conspiracies surrounding the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, Schiff has emerged as a leading figure in orchestrating claims against Trump.
On Wednesday, following John Durham’s presentation of the special counsel’s findings in the Russia hoax investigation to the House Judiciary Committee, Schiff, who is currently running for a Senate seat, faced a formal censure from the lower chamber. The resolution passed with a vote of 213-209, with all Republicans voting in favor except for six who voted “present.”
As House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) struck the gavel upon the vote, Democrats in the well of the House erupted, chanting “shame” and “disgrace.” The resolution compelled Schiff to face an embarrassing moment as he stood before lawmakers while also mandating the House Ethics Committee to investigate his alleged “falsehoods, misrepresentations and abuses of sensitive information.”
Despite these developments, Schiff shamelessly chose to celebrate the resolution on the House floor by saying, “To my Republican colleagues who introduced this resolution, I thank you. Your words tell me that I have been effective in the defense of our democracy, and I am grateful.”
Tonight I was censured by Republicans in the House.
Here’s what that was like and what that means for me, the Congress, and our democracy. pic.twitter.com/6WTPhvA9r7
— Adam Schiff (@AdamSchiff) June 22, 2023
Schiff’s censure by the House now places him among the 25 representatives in congressional history who have faced such formal reprimands.
The formal measure, brought forth by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), is considered by many as the minimum action Republicans could have taken. With Schiff being accused of polarizing the nation for an extended period and undermining diplomatic relations with a nuclear superpower, it’s been suggested that lawmakers should go a step further and consider a vote on expulsion.
As the House Ethics Committee takes on the responsibility of investigating Schiff’s actions, they may contemplate the possibility of making such a recommendation.
In January, McCarthy removed Schiff from the Intelligence Committee saying, “I am committed to returning the House Intelligence Committee to one of genuine honesty and credibility that regains the trust of the American people.”
Schiff’s loss of a committee assignment and subsequent censure is not solely the result of his deceptive statements. It is due to his alleged misuse of his position as the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, where he had access to highly sensitive national secrets.
