Alaska Rep. Mary Peltola joined all other Democrats and 20 Republicans to table a resolution aimed at censuring and imposing a fine on Democratic California Rep. Adam Schiff.
Schiff abused his authority when the Democrats were in control of the House, making claims about evidence that he falsely said would prove collusion between the campaign of former President Donald Trump and the Russian government. He was the House’s lead prosecutor in Trump’s first impeachment trial, having been appointed to that role by then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
The resolution that was introduced by Republican Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna accused Schiff of intentionally deceiving his committee, Congress, and the American people during the special counsel investigation into Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign.
During the impeachment process, Schiff said that Trump could face jail time. As chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, he launched multiple investigations into the former president.
Schiff was removed from the committee altogether by Speaker Kevin McCarthy in January, along with the removal of California Democrat Rep. Eric Swalwell.
The resolution, had it passed, would have fined Schiff $16 million, which represents about half of what Democrats charged the American taxpayer for the phony investigation into Trump, which turned the House Intelligence Committee into a sort of super PAC to attack Trump in advance of the 2020 presidential election.
The resolution said Schiff had exploited his position to gain access to sensitive information that would help him launch a fraudulent investigation, which he then used for personal political gain and fundraising for his own reelection.
Schiff, who is currently running for Senate, capitalized on the censure prospect to raise funds. In an email sent to his supporters, he portrayed it as an attack on constitutional oversight and accountability, claiming that “MAGA Republicans are out for revenge.”
After the resolution was tabled, Luna expressed her intention to bring it up for another vote, and she will take away the $16 million fine. She took to Twitter, criticizing the 20 Republicans who voted against the recommended penalty, censure, and investigation of Schiff.
