(RepublicanDaily.org) – Republicans found themselves in the hot seat with voters on June 14 when they failed to garner enough support from their colleagues to censure Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., prompting the author of the resolution, Representative Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., to remove the $16 million fine. Some Republicans voted against the initial measure, citing constitutional concerns, in addition to warning that the fine would set a dangerous precedent that Democrats would exploit if they took back over the House.
The Party finally redeemed itself on June 21, with 213 Republicans voting to censure and launch an Ethics Committee investigation into the California congressman for what Luna described as “an all-out political campaign built on baseless distortions against a sitting U.S. president,” referring to Schiff’s relentless claims that he had proof that then-President Donald Trump was colluding with Russia. Luna discussed the effects of his lies on Americans, stating that they “altered the course of the country forever.”
Six Republicans voted “present” on the resolution, five of whom are on the Ethics Committee and will soon begin their investigation into Schiff. Rep. Ken Buck was the sixth “present” vote, but he is not a member of the committee, and it is unclear why he chose not to support the measure. Representative Dave Joyce, R-Ohio, made it clear that he wanted to remain neutral due to his position on the Ethics Committee instead of passing judgment before looking into the accusations and evidence against Schiff.
Democrats refused to maintain regular order in the House after the resolution passed, which temporarily impeded Speaker McCarthy’s ability to make the formal announcement of censure. He was finally able to call Schiff to face his punishment, making him one of only twenty-five members of the House of Representatives to be censured in the history of the United States Congress. Schiff defended his actions later on, sarcastically thanking Republicans for making him feel proud of his effectiveness at defending democracy.
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