According to House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, Rep. Adam Schiff’s membership in Congress might be suspended. The announcement shocked the political establishment and sparked heated conversations all around the country. The decision circles back on the allegations made on the collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian intelligence.

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While addressing the press conference, McCarthy was asked about the Durham report. He said, “It raises the question about Adam Schiff,” “what he put America through when he openly lied to us,” and made strong allegations about Adam Schiff. He also made remarks on his character and questioned his existence in Congress.

McCarthy slashed all the allegations as the Durham report cleared the air, saying the FBI and DOJ did not have sufficient evidence to suspect collusion.

However, the reactions to Speaker McCarthy’s remarks have, predictably, been divided along party lines. Republicans claim that Schiff’s conduct during the impeachment hearings was biased and politically driven and that his possible suspension would be an appropriate punishment. Democrats, on the other hand, see the decision as a politically driven attack on a prominent Republican Party critic.

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However, if  Speaker McCarthy follows through with his recommendation, the move will be seen as a rare occurrence in US politics. A sitting member’s suspension is a serious matter that calls for strong proof of wrongdoing. While some legal experts contend that McCarthy’s suggestions might be a political ploy designed to harm Schiff, others think there might be valid concerns about Schiff’s conduct that call for further investigation.

McCarthy, in a press conference, commented, “They took America through an impeachment over a lie that they knew. You had Adam Schiff, who was chairman of the Intel Committee, lying day after day to the American public that he had proof, that he knew the proof.”