Thomas Massie says he does not support resolution for $16 million fine against Adam Schiff
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Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) said he will not support a House resolution to fine Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) for his involvement in the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
The resolution, introduced by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), seeks to censure Schiff and force him to pay a $16 million fine over allegations that he abused his constituents’ trust by pushing claims that Russia had meddled in the 2016 presidential race to help elect Donald Trump. At the time, Schiff was leading the House Intelligence Committee.
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Massie said, however, that he will not vote in favor of the bill should it come to the House floor, claiming it would violate the Constitution.
“Adam Schiff acted unethically but if a resolution to fine him $16 million comes to the floor I will vote to table it. (vote against it),” Massie tweeted on Wednesday. “In fact, I’m still litigating a federal lawsuit against Pelosi over a salary reduction she imposed on me for my refusal to wear a mask.”
Massie continued, “The Constitution says the House may make its own rules but we can’t violate other (later) provisions of the Constitution. A $16 million fine is a violation of the 27th and 8th amendments.”
The House is set to hold a procedural vote on Wednesday to decide how to move forward, with Democrats likely seeking to table the motion. Massie is one of the only GOP members who has been vocal on the situation, but House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) told reporters that GOP members are “split” on it.
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A censure vote does not remove a lawmaker from office, nor does it hold any real punishment. The move is a symbolic vote to express dissatisfaction toward a lawmaker over their voting record or personal conduct. Luna filed a separate motion to remove Schiff from office last month, but it is unclear how much traction that will gain.
If Schiff is censured, it could have significant impacts on his electability heading into the 2024 Senate race. He is running against Reps. Barbara Lee (D-CA) and Katie Porter (D-CA) to succeed retiring Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA).
Tags: Adam Schiff, Congress, House of Representatives, News, Russia investigation
Original Author: Rachel Schilke
Original Location: Thomas Massie says he does not support resolution for $16 million fine against Adam Schiff