Schiff Dismisses Calls to Step Down From Russia Investigation as Not ‘Serious’

Sunday on ABC’s “This Week,” Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), the ranking Democratic member of the House Intelligence Committee dismissed calls for him to step aside from the committee’s investigation into allegations the Russian government had attempted to influence the outcome of last November’s presidential election.

Schiff told host George Stephanopoulos those calls, including one from a previous committee chairman, former Rep. Mike Rogers (R-MI), were not serious.

Partial transcript as follows:

STEPHANOPOULOS:One more question on your investigation.

I don’t know if you’ve seen this, but your former colleague in the House, Mike Rogers, also CIA director, has suggested that you should also recuse yourself now from the Intelligence Committee investigation.

Here’s what he wrote. He said, “Representative Adam Schiff should consider recusing himself from the probe for his part — Schiff’s suggestion to the media that he had seen information on Russia-Trump campaign ties that was quote, “the kind of evidence that would be presented to a grand jury,” adding that he had seen additional evidence but not elaborating further,” suggesting that you also revealed intelligence you shouldn’t have.

SCHIFF: You know, a lot of us have characterized how we’ve seen the intelligence. Some have said it looks more like smoke than fire. Some of us said it’s a small fire. Some have said they’ve seen no evidence. Mr. Rogers and others don’t quarrel with those who say they’ve seen no evidence.

I don’t think that’s an accurate assessment. And I certainly don’t think I can let it stand.

But I don’t think Mr. Rogers’ suggestion is a serious one.

STEPHANOPOULOS: And is your investigation now back on track?

SCHIFF: It is back on track. We have exchanged witness lists. I think we’re largely in agreement with those witness lists. We’re also discussing moving forward in terms of our Committee hearings.

So, you know, I can happily report that I think we are back to where we were before the whole White House excursion. And I think that’s enormously important for the investigation.

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