In a significant House vote, lawmakers opted against censuring Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) for his assertions regarding former President Donald Trump's alleged collusion with Russia during the 2016 election. The resolution, spearheaded by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), failed to garner sufficient support, with a final tally of 225 against and 196 in favor. Notably, 20 Republicans broke ranks to oppose the measure, further complicating its passage.

The resolution's fate was uncertain from the outset, facing resistance from within the Republican party itself. Rep. Tom Massie (R-KY), while acknowledging Schiff's perceived ethical breaches, voiced his opposition to the proposed $16 million fine stipulated in the resolution, citing constitutional concerns. This financial penalty became a sticking point for several Republicans, contributing to the resolution's ultimate demise.

Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) narrowly avoided censure. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Beyond the financial penalty, the resolution itself detailed the narrative of Trump-Russia collusion, emphasizing its origins among Trump's political adversaries and its subsequent pursuit by the Department of Justice despite a perceived lack of credible evidence. Citing reports from Special Counsel John Durham, Special Counsel Robert Mueller, and DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz, the resolution underscored the absence of collusion, contrasting this with Schiff's public pronouncements. The resolution accused Schiff of misleading Congress and the American public, lending credence to the discredited Steele dossier, and misrepresenting information related to the FISA warrant application for Trump associate Carter Page.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) introduced the censure resolution. (Fox News Digital/Jon Michael Raasch)

Had the resolution succeeded, Rep. Schiff would have faced an Ethics Committee investigation. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Had the resolution passed, it would have formally censured and condemned Schiff, requiring him to stand before the House while the resolution was read aloud. It would also have triggered an Ethics Committee investigation into his conduct. The future of potential actions against Schiff remains uncertain, as Republicans consider whether to reintroduce a revised resolution without the contentious fine.