Before Filing An Ethics Complaint, Rep. Gaetz Unveils The Two House Rules Adam Schiff Has Violated

[Image Source: Twitter & PBS Newshour Video Screenshots. Swamp Drain Compilation]

Posted By: Lindsey Michelle October 30, 2019

Congressman Matt Gaetz (R-FL) filed an ethics complaint Wednesday against House Intelligence Committee Chairman, Adam Schiff (D-CA) over his handling of the “impeachment inquiry” against President Donald Trump.

Gaetz cited House Rules 23 clause 1-2 of the Code of Official Conduct, and also House Rule 11 of the Procedures of Committees and Unfinished Business.

“Nancy Pelosi’s impeachment resolution gives unprecedented power to the intelligence committee chairman, Adam Schiff. That’s deeply troubling to me for a few reasons,” Rep. Gaetz said.

The Florida Congressman explained why: “First Adam Schiff’s proven in this process that he cannot adhere to the fundamental principles of fairness.”

“And second, I would say the most important for my work today, is that Adam Schiff has violated the ethical rules of the House of Representatives,” Gaetz said.

He clarified: “Rule 23; clause 1-2 of the Code of Conduct; members of the House of Representatives, requires that we engage in conduct that brings credibility on the House. We don’t impair the credibility of the House.” (Rule XXIII – Code Of Official Conduct) (Continued Below)

“When Adam Schiff engaged in a theatrical retelling of President Trump’s conversation with President Zelensky to deceive and disorient the American people, he acted in a way that was not consistent with House rules and was not consistent with House ethics,” Rep. Gaetz explained.

“And now, so on the eve of a vote that will give unprecedented power to someone who does not deserve it– today I’m gonna go file an ethics complaint against Adam Schiff for violating Rule 23 of the House,” Gaetz said.

“Adam Schiff has also violated Rule 11 of the House. Rule 11 requires if you are going to expel a member of Congress from a hearing, who does not intend to participate by asking questions, that you are required to hold a vote on that measure. Adam Schiff held no such vote when he expelled me multiple times from simply being able to observe what the heck was going on,” he revealed. (Video Below)

“And so, right now I’m going to go to the ethics committee and I’m gonna file an ethics complaint against Adam Schiff. Because if House Democrats tomorrow are going to give this man an unprecedented amount of power in this process, they’re gonna know exactly how he has departed from the rules of the House and how he has fallen short of the ethic standards that should apply to this institution,” Rep. Gaetz added.

Rules of the House of Representatives can be read [Here].

“I just filed an ethics complaint against @RepAdamSchiff over his handling of the impeachment inquiry into President Trump. Schiff has lied to the American people and abused his power. We won’t allow him to continue trampling the Constitution,” Gaetz tweeted.

Rep. Gaetz official statement:

(Continued Below)

Rep. Matt Gaetz’s official ethics complaint:

He tweeted, “#BREAKING: Today I filed an ethics complaint against @RepAdamSchiff for: Distorting @POTUS’s call with President Zelenksy. -Lying to the public about ‘Russian collusion’ -Blocking Members of Congress from attending impeachment depositions Schiff must be held accountable.”

Rep. Gaetz Official Ethics Complaint against Adam Schiff- via Twitter

*Update* Rep. Gaetz also tweeted, “If any Republican votes for this impeachment resolution, they have abandoned this president, and they’ve done a terrible thing to the Congress by allowing this illegitimate investigation to be cloaked in faux legitimacy.”

(Related: Matt Gaetz Publicly Reacts After Being Kicked Out Of A Private Impeachment Inquiry Hearing: ‘Why Is Adam Schiff Trying To Run A Kangaroo Court?’)