Following a setback earlier this week, House Republicans are poised to revive their attempt to censure Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA). An initial resolution, introduced by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), failed to garner sufficient support, with 20 Republicans voting against it. The sticking point was a proposed $16 million fine against Schiff, a provision some Republicans deemed unconstitutional.
However, Luna announced on Thursday that she has negotiated new language for the censure resolution, acceptable to the dissenting Republicans. The revised resolution is expected to be brought to a vote soon.
The original resolution centered on accusations that Schiff made "false accusations" against former President Donald Trump regarding alleged collusion with Russia. Several investigations did not substantiate these claims. Luna argued the proposed fine was equivalent to half the cost of investigating Trump for the same matter.
Luna stated the revised resolution will censure Schiff and refer him to the House Ethics Committee for an investigation. She contends Schiff knowingly exploited his former position as House Intelligence Committee Chairman to mislead the American public and his colleagues, and infringed upon the civil liberties of individuals like Carter Page.
Schiff, responding to the renewed censure effort, accused Republicans of attempting to divert attention from former President Trump's legal challenges related to classified documents. He characterized the push as an attempt to "gratify Donald Trump."
According to a draft obtained by Fox News, the revised resolution omits the $16 million fine and the term "lies." Instead, it focuses on Schiff's "false statements and allegations" regarding Trump-Russia collusion. The draft highlights Schiff's public statements, including those entered into the Congressional Record, alleging collusion and his denial of staff communication with a whistleblower involved in Trump's first impeachment.
The revised resolution concludes by formally censuring Schiff for "misleading the American public and for conduct unbecoming" a House member. It mandates a public reading of the resolution in the House chamber and calls for a House Ethics Committee investigation into Schiff's conduct.
