The House censured Democratic lawmaker Adam Schiff for using "his position as chairman of the Intelligence Committee to lie to the American people about Russian collusion." The California congressman will be referred to the Ethics Committee to be investigated for his "falsehoods, misrepresentations and abuse of sensitive information." For his part, a defiant Schiff noted that the GOP members' words "tell me that I have been effective in the defense of our Democracy."
Adam Schiff is officially censured in the House of Representatives. pic.twitter.com/XQX6jjhXt9
— Kevin McCarthy (@SpeakerMcCarthy) June 21, 2023
The Democratic caucus chanted "shame" and interrupted the votes
The initiative, proposed by conservative Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, was approved by a vote of 213 in favor and 209 against. Six of the Republicans present merely voted "present," including five GOP members of the Ethics Committee. Congressional Democrats opposed it as a bloc while chanting "shame" during the vote. In the face of interruptions, Kevin McCarthy even blurted out, "I have all night."
U.S. House censures Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA).
House Democrats chant "shame" and interrupt the pronouncement of censure. @SpeakerMcCarthy: "I have all night." pic.twitter.com/VZTUVnkBBt
— CSPAN (@cspan) June 21, 2023
Republican members of the Ethics Committee vote "present"
Luna herself explained on her twitter account that there is no division when it comes to voting in the ranks of the Republican Party: "Members who are part of the Ethics Commission historically vote 'present' so as not to weigh in on investigations before they are brought to them." Speaker McCarthy insisted that this outcome reinforces his decision early in his term to have Schiff removed from the Intelligence Committee.
Re: Members who voted present: Members who sit on the Ethics Committee historically vote “present” so as to not weigh in on investigations before they are brought to them. 🙏🏼
Would also like to thank all of the Members who worked alongside me to finally get accountability… 1/2
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) June 22, 2023
Schiff, in race for Senate seat, said he was "grateful" for motion
The censured Schiff was "grateful" to his "Republican colleagues" for introducing "this sham resolution: they honor me with their enmity." The Democratic lawmaker stressed that "Your words tell me that I have been effective in defending our democracy, and I am grateful." Schiff announced his intention to run for Senator Diane Feinstein's seat, and this type of controversy strengthens his position in the eyes of his constituency.
To my Republican colleagues who introduced this sham resolution: You honor me with your enmity.
You flatter me with this falsehood.
Your words tell me that I have been effective in the defense of our democracy, and I am grateful. pic.twitter.com/ATVFDLaUYT
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) June 21, 2023
