Challenges in the Life of Adam Schiff in a Detailed Timeline

Life is full of challenges, and Adam Schiff faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

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.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

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.

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legislation to repeal the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force Against Terrorists, feeling that it was outdated.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.

February 2015: Regret Vote on Iraq Invasion

In February 2015, Adam Schiff expressed regret for his vote in favor of the 2003 invasion of Iraq, citing flawed intelligence and disastrous consequences.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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.