Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) has intensified her campaign against California Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), demanding his censure and removal from key Senate committee assignments. This action comes in light of an ongoing federal probe into allegations of mortgage and residency fraud involving Schiff. On Monday, Luna publicly called on Senate Republicans to leverage their majority to strip Schiff of his committee positions while the Department of Justice reviews potential criminal charges.
Adam Schiff, a veteran in Democratic politics, currently serves on four Senate committees, including the influential Judiciary Committee. His roles grant him significant influence over federal oversight and judicial matters. The investigation that sparked Luna's demand centers on accusations that Schiff misrepresented his primary residency on mortgage documents for nearly two decades.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director William Pulte referred the case to the U.S. Attorney General's office after discovering documents that suggest Schiff may have falsified bank and property records. Allegedly, while Schiff served as a congressman from California from 2003 to 2019, he claimed a Maryland property as his primary residence—a potential violation of the federal law that requires House members to reside in the states they represent.
These alleged misrepresentations may have allowed Schiff to secure favorable mortgage terms on a Potomac, Maryland, home, including reduced payments and tax benefits typically reserved for primary residences. Further examination revealed Schiff also claimed a homeowner's tax deduction on his California home, a benefit meant for primary homes, thus raising questions of conflicting claims that could amount to mortgage fraud.
The FHFA's referral letter detailed these discrepancies and expressed concern over the potential fraudulent behavior resulting from Schiff's dual residency claims. Schiff has maintained that his occupancy of both the California and Maryland homes was legitimate throughout the years and that his mortgage filings accurately reflected this.
Despite Schiff's defenses, Luna and other Republican critics have amplified their accusations, alleging that Schiff violated residency requirements and exploited the mortgage system for personal gain. Luna's call for censure is part of a broader GOP initiative to hold Schiff accountable amid increasing ethical scrutiny.
If Schiff were to be removed from his committee assignments, it would represent a significant political setback, reducing his influence in the Senate at a crucial time for judicial and governmental oversight. Attorney General Pam Bondi has appointed a special prosecutor to lead the DOJ's review of the evidence. Although no charges have been filed, the active investigation casts a shadow over Schiff's political future.
Luna's actions reflect a larger MAGA-driven effort to challenge established Democrats who are seen as part of the political elite. Her demands echo the frustration within Republican circles over what they perceive as a lack of consequences for alleged misconduct by high-profile Democrats.
As the investigation proceeds, congressional Republicans are anticipated to continue pressuring Senate leadership for decisive action. Luna's outspoken stance could potentially spark further GOP efforts to alter Senate power dynamics and enforce accountability among Democratic leaders.
