Jeffries claims GOP fixated on Schiff, mum on potential Democratic censure of Republicans.

House Minority Leader Denounces Republican Efforts to Censure Rep. Adam Schiff

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) strongly criticized Republican attempts to censure Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) this week, labeling it as “extremism” and accusing the GOP of promoting “conspiracy theories” instead of prioritizing important legislation.

“The Oversight chairperson is totally out of control and unhinged. They’re obsessed with Adam Schiff,” Jeffries stated on Thursday. “First, they kick him off the Intel Committee, then they try to fine him $16 million. That fails, Donald Trump threatens to primary them, and they immediately respond to the puppet master by bringing a censure resolution back to the floor.”

Historic Censure Vote in the House

The House voted 213-209 on Wednesday to censure Schiff, marking only the 25th time in the chamber’s history that a member has faced formal condemnation. Democrats expressed visible anger during the vote, shouting at House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) as he proceeded with the condemnation proceedings.

However, when asked about the possibility of Democrats pursuing censure motions against members of the opposing party, Jeffries evaded the question.

“We’re going to continue to focus on solving challenges for everyday Americans and growing the middle class and focusing on kitchen table pocketbook issues that actually make life better for everyday Americans,” Jeffries stated.

He added, “But there’s an irony. The very same individuals behind the censure efforts have questionable histories in terms of their own truthfulness to the American people, and I’m sure there are folks out there in the United States of America who will be interested in that hypocrisy.”

Jeffries may have been referring to Rep. George Santos (R-NY), who narrowly avoided expulsion last month after Republicans voted to transfer the resolution to the Ethics Committee. This dealt a blow to Democrats who sought immediate expulsion for Santos, who was indicted by the DOJ on multiple charges including wire fraud, money laundering, theft of public funds, and lying to Congress. Santos has pleaded not guilty and denounced the allegations as politically motivated.

Santos has also faced criticism for lying about his education, work experience, and personal details during his campaign for office.

In order to expel Santos, Democrats would have needed at least 77 Republicans to vote in favor of expulsion, surpassing the two-thirds majority threshold required to pass the measure. Given the GOP-led chamber, this level of support is unlikely. Some are now speculating whether Democrats may instead pursue a censure resolution, which only requires a simple majority to pass.

When asked if Jeffries would support advancing a motion to censure those he deems to have “questionable histories,” the minority leader once again avoided comment.

“House Democrats are going to continue to focus on growing an economy that builds out the middle class, that helps those throughout America who aspire to be part of the middle class, [and] that protects and strengthens Social Security and Medicare,” Jeffries stated.

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