A Republican attempt to censure Democratic congressman Rep. Adam Schiff for his consistent criticism of former President Donald Trump, particularly during his tenure as the head of an intelligence committee, fell short in a House session on Wednesday.
The resolution, proposed by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.), was ultimately set aside with a vote of 225 to 196, as 20 Republicans joined 205 Democrats in opposing the measure. Seven representatives, including Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), abstained from voting altogether.
Following the vote, Schiff expressed his pride in the outcome, stating on Twitter that he considers it “a badge of honor,” attributing the move to “MAGA Republicans” targeting him for holding Donald Trump accountable and asserting his commitment to defending democracy against such attempts at intimidation.
Today’s partisan and failed attempt to censure me is a badge of honor that I will wear proudly.
MAGA Republicans are going after me because I dared to hold Donald Trump accountable.
These efforts to intimidate me will not succeed. I will always defend our democracy.
— Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) June 14, 2023
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Luna, a first-term lawmaker representing the Tampa area, stated her intention to continue pursuing the censure of Schiff despite the setback.
Schiff has been a vocal critic of Trump for a significant period, having served as chairman of the House’s Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI) until Republicans regained control of the chamber and denied him a seat on the panel this year. He also acted as one of the impeachment managers in the 2020 Senate trial of Trump, who was acquitted when the Senate failed to secure the necessary two-thirds majority to convict.
The House vote on Wednesday followed remarks made by Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) a few weeks prior, where he questioned whether Schiff should face consequences for his comments about Trump.
Luna’s resolution alleged that Schiff abused his position on the HPSCI to initiate unjust intelligence investigations for political gain and fundraising. It also suggested that if adopted, Schiff would have been required to stand in the House while the text of the resolution was read aloud and subsequently face an investigation by the Ethics Committee.
Luna, determined to pursue the censure, announced on Twitter that she plans to file a motion to investigate Schiff and hold him accountable fro his actions against Trump.
Schiff is currently running for the Senate seat that will be vacated by retiring Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.).
