Christine Ely

In a highly anticipated turn of events on Tuesday, Rep. Luna made an announcement that reverberated throughout the political landscape. The House would be voting on a resolution to censure and fine Rep. Schiff, a contentious figure whose actions have sparked intense debate and controversy.

Betrayal of Public Trust: Rep. Luna passionately argues that Schiff’s behavior represents a betrayal of public trust and casts a shadow over the legislative process. She asserts that Schiff exploited his position on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence to further personal and political interests. By promoting and excusing abusive intelligence investigations of Americans, Schiff allegedly weaponized sensitive information for political gain. Luna’s indignation is palpable as she emphasizes the consequences of such actions and their detrimental impact on the public’s faith in their elected representatives.

The Cost of Deception: The investigation into alleged collusion, launched as a result of Schiff’s purported lies, misrepresentations, and misuse of sensitive information, came at an exorbitant cost to American taxpayers. A staggering $32 million was spent, prompting Luna to call for Schiff to be held financially accountable. Her proposal suggests that Schiff should bear half of the investigation’s total cost, amounting to $16 million. This call for accountability comes on the heels of an ethics committee investigation that found Schiff guilty of falsehoods and unethical conduct.

A Disappointing Outcome: Wednesday’s events unfolded with anticipation, as the House prepared to cast their votes on the censure resolution. However, despite widespread expectations, the resolution failed in the GOP-controlled House. With a vote of 225-196-7, Schiff managed to avoid condemnation, much to the dismay of those seeking justice. The outcome highlighted deep divisions within the chamber, as 20 Republicans joined ranks with Democrats to protect Schiff from censure.

RINOs Exposed: The surprising revelation emerged as 20 Republicans defied expectations and voted against the resolution, aligning themselves with Democrats. These individuals, labeled RINOs (Republicans in Name Only), were seen as protectors of Schiff’s actions. The list includes prominent names such as Kelly Armstrong, Tom Cole, Brian K. Fitzpatrick, and Kay Granger, among others. Their decision to shield Schiff from censure drew attention to the underlying political dynamics and divisions within the Republican Party.

The Full List:

Kelly Armstrong, North Dakota (ND)
Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Oregon (OR)
Juan Ciscomani, Arizona (AZ)
Tom Cole, Oklahoma (OK)
Warren Davidson, Ohio (OH)
Brian K. Fitzpatrick, Pennsylvania (PA)
Kay Granger, Texas (TX)
Garret Graves, Louisiana (LA)
Thomas H. Kean, Jr., New Jersey (NJ)
Kevin Kiley, California (CA)
Young Kim, California (CA)
Michael Lawler, New York (NY)
Thomas Massie, Kentucky (KY)
Tom McClintock, California (CA)
Marcus J. Molinaro, New York (NY)
Jay Obernolte, California (CA)
Michael K. Simpson, Idaho (ID)
Michael R. Turner, Ohio (OH)
David G. Valadao, California (CA)
Steve Womack, Arkansas (AR)
Two Republicans “Present:”
Darrell Issa, California (CA)
George Santos, New York (NY)
Three Republicans “Not Voting:”
Neal P. Dunn, Florida (FL)
Tony Gonzales, Texas (TX)

The failure to censure Adam Schiff has left many Americans disheartened and questioning the integrity of their elected representatives. As the fallout from this vote reverberates, it is essential to reflect on the broader implications for the legislative process and public trust. The debate surrounding Schiff’s actions and the subsequent resolution has underscored the challenges faced by those seeking accountability within the political sphere. Moving forward, it remains to be seen how these events will shape public opinion and influence the trajectory of future investigations and political battles.

In a democratic society, active citizen participation is crucial for shaping policies and influencing lawmakers. One impactful way to make your voice heard is by signing and creating petitions that are sent directly to our law makers in Washington, D.C. Petitions play a vital role in raising awareness about important issues and capturing the attention of legislators. In this blog post, we’ll explore why it is essential for everyone to participate in signing and creating petitions, emphasizing how lawmakers pay attention to petitions that address issues in their districts and states.

The Importance of Petitions:

1. Amplifying Your Voice: Petitions provide a collective platform for individuals to join together and express their concerns or support for specific causes. By signing a petition, you contribute to a unified voice that lawmakers cannot ignore. It demonstrates that many constituents care deeply about an issue, making it harder for legislators to overlook or dismiss.
2. Focusing on Local Impact: Lawmakers prioritize addressing the needs and concerns of their districts and states. Petitions that specifically target issues affecting a legislator’s constituents hold significant weight. By participating in petitions, you can draw attention to matters directly impacting your community and encourage lawmakers to take action.
3. Raising Awareness and Creating Dialogue: Petitions have the power to bring attention to overlooked or underrepresented issues. They serve as a catalyst for public discussion and encourage individuals to engage in conversations about topics that require legislative attention. Petitions spark public interest and generate awareness, making it difficult for lawmakers to ignore the collective voice of concerned citizens.
4. Strengthening Democracy: Participating in petitions is a fundamental exercise of democratic principles. It allows citizens to actively engage in the legislative process, exercising their right to express opinions and advocate for change. Petitions foster a sense of civic duty and empower individuals to shape the policies and decisions that impact their lives.

Creating Lasting Impact:

1. Identify Key Issues: Start by identifying the issues that matter to you and affect your community. Research existing petitions or consider creating your own to address those concerns directly.
2. Mobilize Support: Gather signatures from friends, family, colleagues, and community members who share your concerns. Utilize social media platforms, local events, and community organizations to spread awareness and encourage others to sign the petition.
3. Submit to Lawmakers: Once you’ve collected a substantial number of signatures, submit the petition to your legislators. Be sure to provide a clear explanation of the issue, supporting evidence, and a concise request for action.
4. Follow Up and Advocate: Stay engaged with the progress of the issue and follow up with your lawmakers. Attend town hall meetings, contact their offices, and continue advocating for the cause to ensure your voice is heard.

Participating in petitions to Congress is a powerful tool for individuals to make a meaningful impact on legislation and advocate for change. By signing and creating petitions that address issues in their districts and states, citizens can capture the attention of lawmakers and drive legislative action. Remember, every voice matters, and your participation in the democratic process can shape policies, protect communities, and build a better future for all. Join the movement and be an agent of change by participating in petitions to Congress through petitionsToCongress.com. Together, let’s make a difference.