Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Adam Schiff
Discover the career path of Adam Schiff, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.
Adam Schiff is an American politician currently serving as a U.S. Senator for California since 2024. A Democrat, he previously served twelve terms in the U.S. House of Representatives (2001-2024) and in the California State Senate (1996-2000). He is also a lawyer and author.
1987: Assistant United States Attorney
From 1987, Adam Schiff was an assistant United States attorney in the Office of the United States Attorney for the Central District of California.
1993: Prosecuted Richard Miller case
In 1993, Adam Schiff prosecuted the case against Richard Miller, a former FBI agent who spied for the Soviet Union.
May 1994: Lost special election for California State Assembly
In May 1994, Adam Schiff was a candidate for the 43rd district seat in the California State Assembly in a special election but lost to Republican nominee James E. Rogan.
1994: Separatist war in Nagorno-Karabakh ends
In 1994, the separatist war in Nagorno-Karabakh ended. This region became a point of contention for Schiff, who called for U.S. recognition of the Republic of Artsakh, an autonomous oblast within Azerbaijan under the control of ethnic Armenian forces since the end of the war.
1996: Elected to the California State Senate
In 1996, Adam Schiff began serving as a member of the California State Senate.
1998: Senate Bill 1847 Passed
In 1998, Senate Bill 1847, Chapter 1021, was passed, continuing work on the Blue Line light rail extension to Pasadena by renaming the Blue Line the Gold Line and creating the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority.
2000: Unseated James E. Rogan
In 2000, Adam Schiff unseated James E. Rogan in California's 27th congressional district.
2000: End of term in California State Senate
In 2000, Adam Schiff's term in the California State Senate ended.
2001: Elected to the House of Representatives
In 2001, Adam Schiff began serving in the United States House of Representatives.
2001: Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists
In 2001, after Obama's speech at the National Defense University examining the U.S. war powers during the War on Terror, Schiff introduced bipartisan legislation to repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists, feeling that it was outdated. The bill, introduced with Representative Tom Rooney, was intended to sunset.
2003: Vote on Iraq Invasion
In 2003, Schiff voted in favor of the invasion of Iraq.
2003: Pasadena Gold Line Finished
In 2003, the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority finished the Pasadena line.
2006: Formed Congressional Caucus for the Freedom of the Press
In 2006, Adam Schiff formed the bipartisan, bicameral Congressional Caucus for the Freedom of the Press.
October 11, 2007: House Foreign Affairs Committee Approved Resolution
On October 11, 2007, the House Foreign Affairs Committee approved U.S. House Resolution 106, recognizing the Armenian genocide, introduced by Adam Schiff.
2007: Amendment Clarifying FISA
In 2007, in response to disclosure of the Terrorist Surveillance Program, Adam Schiff and Representative Jeff Flake offered a successful amendment to clarify that the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act is the exclusive means for collecting foreign intelligence information within the U.S.
October 1, 2009: Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act Introduced
On October 1, 2009, the Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act was originally introduced to Congress by Schiff, Representative Mike Pence, and Senator Christopher Dodd.
2009: Schiff serves as impeachment manager in Judge Kent's trial
In 2009, Adam Schiff was appointed and served as an impeachment manager in the impeachment trial of Judge Samuel B. Kent, acting as the lead manager alongside Bob Goodlatte.
March 4, 2010: House Committee Approved Resolution
On March 4, 2010, the House Foreign Affairs Committee again approved the resolution recognizing the Armenian genocide by a 23–22 margin, leading the Turkish government to recall its U.S. ambassador.
May 17, 2010: Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act Signed into Law
On May 17, 2010, President Barack Obama signed the Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act into law.
2010: Defeated John Colbert for Sixth Term
In 2010, Adam Schiff defeated Tea Party–backed Republican John Colbert for a sixth term.
2012: Defeated Phil Jennerjahn
In 2012, Adam Schiff defeated Republican Phil Jennerjahn.
2014: Provision Attached to Appropriations Package
In 2014, Adam Schiff and Senator Dianne Feinstein attached a provision in the omnibus appropriations package directing the U.S. secretary of transportation and the FAA to address helicopter noise in Los Angeles County.
2014: Defeated Steve Stokes
In 2014, Adam Schiff defeated independent candidate Steve Stokes.
2014: Introduced Telephone Metadata Reform Act
In 2014, Adam Schiff introduced the Telephone Metadata Reform Act, which would prohibit the bulk collection of domestic phone records.
2014: Schiff participates in AIDS/LifeCycle
In 2014, Adam Schiff was the first member of Congress to participate in the AIDS/LifeCycle, a seven-day charity bike ride from San Francisco to Los Angeles to raise awareness and funding to fight HIV and AIDS.
2014: Appointed to House Select Committee on Benghazi
In 2014, Nancy Pelosi appointed Adam Schiff to the House Select Committee on Benghazi as one of the five Democrats on the committee.
2015: Supported Saudi Arabian-Led Intervention in Yemen
In 2015, Adam Schiff supported the Saudi Arabian–led intervention in Yemen.
2015: FAA Created Complaint System
In 2015, as a result of Schiff's efforts, the FAA created a countywide helicopter noise public complaint system.
December 2016: Schiff urges Obama to veto UN resolution on Israeli settlements
In December 2016, Schiff urged Obama to veto UN Security Council Resolution 2334, which condemned Israeli settlement building in the occupied Palestinian territories.
2016: Defeated Lenore Solis
In 2016, Adam Schiff defeated Republican candidate Lenore Solis.
2016: Republicans call for Schiff's resignation
In 2016, Schiff made allegations regarding Trump's campaign colluding with Russians, which led to calls for his resignation in 2019.
2016: Trump's 2016 presidential campaign
In 2016, during Donald Trump's presidential campaign, Schiff spoke about possible collusion with Russia.
2016: House censures Schiff over Russia collusion claims related to 2016 election
In 2016, during United States presidential election, Schiff spoke about possible collusion with Russia, which led to his censure in 2023.
2016: Schiff discusses Russian interference in the 2016 elections
In 2016, during the United States elections, Schiff discussed Russian interference.
2016: Gold Line extended to Azusa
In 2016, the Gold Line was extended to Azusa.
March 22, 2017: Schiff speaks about Trump campaign collusion with Russia
During an interview on March 22, 2017, Adam Schiff stated that there was "more than circumstantial evidence now" suggesting that Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign colluded with Russia. Schiff said that there was "evidence that is not circumstantial and is very much worthy of investigation".
April 2, 2017: Schiff discusses Russian interference in the 2016 elections
On April 2, 2017, Schiff, as ranking member on the House Select Intelligence Committee, appeared on CNN's State of the Union to discuss Russian interference in the 2016 United States elections. He discussed Michael Flynn's request for immunity, inspections of White House documents, Trump's allegations of wiretapping in Trump Tower, and Nunes's association with the Trump White House. Schiff stated it would be irresponsible not to investigate the matter fully and accused Nunes of attempting to distract and conceal the White House's involvement.
July 23, 2017: Schiff comments on presidential interests
On July 23, 2017, Schiff commented on Meet the Press that the president should operate in America's best interest, not personal interests or worries about what the Russians might have. Following this, Trump referred to Schiff as "Sleazy Adam Schiff" and dismissed the Russian collusion investigation. Schiff responded on Twitter, stating that Trump's "comments and actions are beneath the dignity of the office".
April 2018: Schiff comments on Trump's role in North Korea talks
In April 2018, Schiff acknowledged that Trump's unpredictability and bellicosity may have contributed to North Korea's decision to engage in talks with the U.S.
December 2018: Schiff suggests Roger Stone lied to Congress
In December 2018, Adam Schiff suggested that Trump associate Roger Stone might have lied to Congress, recommending his testimony transcript be forwarded to the Special Counsel.
2018: Defeated Johnny Nalbandian
In 2018, Adam Schiff defeated Republican nominee Johnny Nalbandian.
2018: Screenwriting on the side
In 2018, The New Yorker reported that Adam Schiff had been writing screenplays for years, including a murder mystery, a post-Holocaust story, and a spy drama.
February 2019: Schiff condemns Ilhan Omar's anti-Semitic tweet
In February 2019, Schiff condemned Representative Ilhan Omar's tweet, which implied that lobby money was fueling American politicians' support of Israel, as an anti-Semitic smear.
March 28, 2019: Republicans call for Schiff's resignation
On March 28, 2019, the Republican members of the House Intelligence Committee formally requested Schiff's resignation due to his allegations regarding Trump's campaign colluding with Russians in the 2016 election. In response, Schiff accused the Republican members of condoning "immoral" and "corrupt" behavior by Trump campaign members and administration appointees.
April 2019: Schiff voted for War Powers Act resolution
In April 2019, Adam Schiff voted for a bipartisan resolution under the War Powers Act with the goal of ending U.S. involvement in the war. While the resolution passed the Senate and the House, it was ultimately vetoed.
October 29, 2019: House Passed Resolution
On October 29, 2019, the full House of Representatives passed the resolution recognizing the Armenian genocide by a vote of 405–11.
November 2019: Roger Stone convicted of lying to Congress
In November 2019, Roger Stone was convicted of lying to Congress.
December 18, 2019: Trump impeached by the House
On December 18, 2019, Trump was impeached by the House of Representatives following the Trump-Ukraine scandal, with Schiff as one of the lead investigators in the impeachment inquiry.
2019: Chaired the House Intelligence Committee
In 2019, Adam Schiff became the chair of the House Intelligence Committee.
2019: Schiff investigates Trump's connections to Russia
In 2019, upon becoming chair of the House Intelligence Committee, Schiff initiated a personal investigation into Trump's connections to Russia, separate from the Special Counsel investigation. He faced criticism for stating that evidence of collusion or conspiracy might exist even if it didn't meet the standard for criminal conviction.
January 15, 2020: Pelosi names Schiff lead impeachment manager
On January 15, 2020, Nancy Pelosi appointed Schiff as the lead impeachment manager, leading a team of seven House members to present the impeachment case against Trump during his Senate trial.
December 2020: Biden nominates Becerra, Schiff eyes Attorney General post
In December 2020, after President-elect Joe Biden announced the nomination of Xavier Becerra for Secretary of Health and Human Services, Schiff began lobbying for appointment as Attorney General of California.
2020: Won primary and general election
In 2020, Adam Schiff won the primary with a majority of the vote and easily won the general election.
2020: Schiff accuses Turkey of inciting conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan
In 2020, Schiff accused Turkey of inciting the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh and co-signed a letter to Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressing deep concern with Azerbaijan's renewed aggression against Artsakh.
February 2021: Schiff lobbies for California Attorney General
In February 2021, it was reported that Schiff, with Speaker Nancy Pelosi's approval, was lobbying Governor Gavin Newsom and his allies to be appointed as Attorney General of California.
March 24, 2021: Newsom appoints Bonta as Attorney General
On March 24, 2021, Governor Newsom announced his appointment of California state assemblyman Rob Bonta as Attorney General, following opposition to Schiff's potential appointment.
July 1, 2021: Schiff appointed to January 6 Select Committee
On July 1, 2021, Pelosi appointed Schiff as one of the nine members of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6 Attack on the United States Capitol.
October 2021: Publication of Midnight in Washington
In October 2021, Adam Schiff published "Midnight in Washington: How We Almost Lost Our Democracy and Still Could", a book about the effects of the Trump presidency.
January 2022: Announced reelection run
In January 2022, Adam Schiff announced he would run for reelection in the new 30th district.
June 21, 2022: Schiff leads Day 4 of January 6 Committee hearings
On June 21, 2022, Schiff led Day 4 of the January 6 Committee's public hearings, which featured testimony from Republican officials and focused on harassment and threats to Georgia poll worker Wandrea' ArShaye Moss and her family by Trump supporters.
January 26, 2023: Schiff declares candidacy for U.S. Senate
On January 26, 2023, Adam Schiff announced his candidacy for the United States Senate in the 2024 election.
April 2023: Schiff reiterates call for U.S. recognition of Artsakh
In April 2023, Schiff reiterated his call for U.S. recognition of the Republic of Artsakh.
June 21, 2023: House censures Schiff over Russia collusion claims
On June 21, 2023, the House of Representatives censured Schiff in a party-line vote regarding his role as Chairman of the Intelligence Committee in promoting the theory that Trump colluded with Russia in the 2016 election. The resolution stated that Schiff misled the public and Schiff denied the allegations.
October 2023: Schiff condemns Hamas and supports Israel
In October 2023, Schiff condemned Hamas's actions during the Gaza war and expressed his support for Israel's right to self-defense. He rejected calls for a ceasefire but supported "humanitarian pauses" to deliver aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
2023: Removed from House Intelligence Committee
In 2023, Adam Schiff was removed from the House Intelligence Committee by Republican House speaker Kevin McCarthy.
March 5, 2024: Schiff advances to Senate general election
On March 5, 2024, Schiff advanced to the general election for the Senate, where he faced Garvey, a former professional baseball player.
December 8, 2024: Resigned from the House
On December 8, 2024, Adam Schiff resigned from the House in preparation for an appointment to finish the remainder of Dianne Feinstein's term.
December 9, 2024: Sworn into the Senate
On December 9, 2024, Adam Schiff was sworn into the Senate.
2024: Elected to the Senate
In 2024, Adam Schiff was elected to the Senate, defeating fellow Democratic U.S. representatives Katie Porter and Barbara Lee in the primary and Republican Steve Garvey in the general election. In 2024, he began serving as the junior United States senator from California.
2024: AIPAC affiliated Super PAC donates to pro-Schiff superpac.
In 2024, during Schiff's Senate primary campaign, the AIPAC-affiliated Super PAC, United Democracy Project, gave $5 million to the pro-Schiff superpac Standing Strong.
2024: Schiff receives Pelosi's endorsement for Senate
In 2024, on February 2, Schiff's candidacy for U.S. Senate received a significant boost with an endorsement from former house speaker Nancy Pelosi.
January 3, 2025: Start of Senate term for Schiff
On November 5, Schiff won both the election to complete Feinstein's remaining term and the election for the Senate term beginning on January 3, 2025.
2025: Intended Gold Line Extension to Pomona
A third leg was begun, which is intended to extend the Gold Line to Pomona by 2025.
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