The Republican-controlled House voted on Wednesday to table a resolution that sought to censure Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Calif.) for his role in advancing claims that former President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign colluded with Russia.
The vote, which effectively killed the measure, saw 20 Republicans join Democrats, resulting in a 225-196 tally. Two Republicans and five Democrats voted “present.”
The resolution, introduced by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), also aimed to impose a $16 million fine on Schiff, who formerly chaired the House Intelligence Committee. Luna argued that this amount represented half the cost of the investigation into the alleged collusion.
Luna’s measure was brought to the floor on Tuesday, the same day Trump was arraigned in Miami on charges related to his handling of classified documents. As a privileged resolution, it required consideration by Thursday under House rules.
The resolution accused Schiff of deliberately misleading his committee, Congress, and the public, using his position to initiate what it described as a “fraudulently based investigation,” and acting dishonestly on multiple occasions.
“He abused his position of authority, lied to the American people, cost American taxpayers millions, and brought dishonor to our chamber,” Luna stated during her remarks on the House floor.
Following the vote, as Schiff spoke with reporters, Luna interrupted him by rolling by on a foot scooter and announcing her intention to reintroduce the measure next week.
Schiff praised the 20 Republicans who voted against what he called the “crazy MAGA folks,” and likened the current political climate to the Tea Party movement, noting the greater intensity of the current situation.
Earlier that day, Schiff told that Republicans were using the resolution as a distraction from Trump’s legal troubles and to appease Trump by targeting someone they viewed as a strong adversary.
He criticized Speaker Kevin McCarthy for prioritizing what he termed a “MAGA resolution” over more pressing national issues.
Most of the Republicans who joined Democrats in voting to table the motion were moderates from swing districts and far-right members like Rep. Thomas Massie (Ky.), who objected to the severity of the proposed punishment.
Others included Rep. Kay Granger (Tex.), chair of the Appropriations Committee, and Rep. Michael R. Turner (Ohio), chair of the Intelligence Committee, who had previously worked with Schiff.
Massie had indicated his position earlier in the day via a tweet, stating that while he believed Schiff acted unethically, he would vote to table any resolution that included a $16 million fine.
Massie also referenced his ongoing lawsuit against former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) over a “salary reduction” linked to a fine for refusing to wear a mask during the pandemic.
Schiff, who is running for the Senate seat of the retiring Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), responded to the vote by tweeting that “MAGA Republicans” were targeting him because of his effectiveness in holding them accountable.
He has used the incident to raise funds for his Senate campaign, urging supporters to contribute at least $10 to help him counter the attacks.
Schiff was the lead manager during Trump’s 2020 Senate trial following his 2019 impeachment over his dealings with Ukraine. This year, McCarthy removed Schiff from the Intelligence Committee, accusing him of abusing his power.
Schiff’s opponents in the 2024 Democratic Senate primary include Reps. Katie Porter (Calif.) and Barbara Lee (Calif.), while Pelosi has endorsed Schiff’s campaign.
