The House is expected to consider this week a measure that aims to formally rebuke and impose a hefty fine against Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) for playing up allegations of collusion between Russia and former President Donald Trump.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), a Trump ally, announced on Tuesday that she expects her privileged resolution, meant to be fast-tracked for consideration, will likely get a vote Thursday morning.
The measure seeks to have the House formally censure and condemn Schiff “for his egregious abuse of the trust of the American people,” according to Luna’s office. Schiff should also be fined $16 million, roughly half the cost of special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation into Russian election interference, pending an investigation by the House Ethics Committee if it finds he lied and abused sensitive information, Luna said.
Mueller’s inquiry explored alleged links between the Russian government and Trump’s 2016 campaign, but ultimately did not find a criminal conspiracy. Luna’s resolution mostly accuses Schiff of telling falsehoods about the Russia matter, but does also mention issues related to the Ukraine-focused impeachment inquiry against Trump.
“It is the obligation of House Leadership to back up this motion for the American people and hold this feckless man accountable,” Luna said in a statement.
Republicans have long accused Schiff, who served as chairman of the committee for four years, of being a repeat liar, particularly because he insisted there was evidence of collusion. GOP frustration with Schiff led House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) to kick him off the intelligence panel earlier in January after Republicans took over control of the House. In addition to her censure motion, Luna has pushed to expel Schiff, though that effort has not succeeded.
A leading House Democrat said a procedural vote on the censure resolution would likely take place on Wednesday, while House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) said he supports the measure and is working with Luna on the “best timing” to bring it to the House floor to help it pass.
Schiff, who is now running for the seat held by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), issued a defiant tweet from his campaign account, making reference to Trump’s indictment in a federal documents case.
“Rep. Anna Paulina Luna just walked off the House floor — after she read the resolution to censure and fine me $16 million. The vote will be in the next 48 hours to distract from Trump’s indictment and retaliate against me for impeaching him. But I’m not backing down,” Schiff said. He also shared a link to a fundraising page.
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