At the end of May, Representative Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) sought to censure Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) for his role in continuing to push the narrative of former President Donald Trump colluding with Russia to steal the 2016 Election, which included a $16 million fine. In the House vote today, Representative Katherine Clark (D-MA) successfully called a motion to table the censure, which received an overwhelming majority in favor.
In other words, Rep. Luna's resolution died.
The initial motion by Rep. Clark met loud booing from Republicans, and the calls for and against the motion were equally noisy.
However, when Representative Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY) announced the nays (Republicans) meant the vote on the censure would take place, Rep. Clark requested to call the votes electronically. In response, someone let out an exasperated "What?" Clark visibly smirked when she heard them.
The final tally of votes totaled 225 in favor of killing the resolution and 196 opposed, with 20 of the 225 coming from Republicans. Democrats were cheering as Rep. Malliotakis read the results.
Rep. Luna may have expected this result, for prior to the House session, she tweeted, "Just so you know what we’re up against: The DNC Is trying to kill this and protect Schiff," citing an email circulating among Democrats about her resolution.
Just so you know what we’re up against: The DNC Is trying to kill this and protect Schiff. This was sent out to the entire DNC. https://t.co/fPKfvRSVmu
— Anna Paulina Luna (@realannapaulina) June 14, 2023
Immediately after the vote, Luna remained undeterred, saying she intended to file a privileged motion to censure and investigate Schiff through the House Ethics Committee.
"20 Republicans voted w/ Dems to stop the ethics investigation, censure, & fine of Adam Schiff. So there is no confusion (as some did not accurately read the bill) I will be filing a privileged motion to censure & send Schiff to ethics for investigation. See you next week Adam," Luna tweeted.
20 Republicans voted w/ Dems to stop the ethics investigation, censure, & fine of Adam Schiff.
So there is no confusion (as some did not accurately read the bill) I will be filing a privileged motion to censure & send Schiff to ethics for investigation.
See you next week Adam.
— Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (@RepLuna) June 14, 2023
In addition to Schiff, House Republicans have sought action against other figures such as FBI Director Christopher Wray, initially planning to hold him in contempt of Congress. Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) has also demanded the censure of Representative Bennie Thompson (D-MS) for his conduct as Chair of the January 6th Committee.
