There was an absolute debacle over comments from Adam Schiff that he later said were meant as a “parody,” and now the future chairman of the Freedom Caucus wants him censured.
A House conservative has introduced a measure to censure House Intelligence Committee Chairman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) in an attempt to condemn the Democratic chairman for using “parody” when recounting details of President Trump‘s call with the leader of Ukraine.
House Freedom Caucus Chairman-elect Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) introduced the resolution Friday shortly after Trump took to Twitter to demand Schiff’s resignation over his remarks, which focused on the president’s July 25 phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Schiff had pointed to a reconstituted transcript of the conversation released by the White House, but paraphrased some points and offered an exaggerated version of the discussion, including saying that Trump directed Zelensky to “make up dirt on my political opponent” a full “seven times.”
I’m not sure Schiff really meant to represent his comments as the transcript. Further, what will come of it, even if they are able to pass it?
Biggs thinks it’s very important:
Biggs, a Trump ally in the lower chamber, argued the move was “inexcusable” given the gravity of impeachment.
“Democrats previously initiated an impeachment inquiry, which leads to one of the most serious, constitutional duties of Members of Congress: removal of the president of the United States,” he said in a statement.
“Through this process, if the President has committed high crimes or misdemeanors, Congress may overturn the election of the President and the will of the American people. It is therefore inexcusable to toy with the process and mislead the American public with such a statement.”
Hmmm. Sure, why not.