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Forward 50 2017

Adam Schiff

The House’s Dogged Trump Investigator

Detailed-oriented and meticulous, California Democrat Adam Schiff found his calling as the investigation into Russia’s involvement in the U.S. elections exploded, making him the top congressman pursuing the case, and therefore one of the biggest thorns in President Trump’s side.

Schiff, 57, serves as the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, and as such receives updates on the sensitive investigations relating to Trump’s election victory. But while he’s become one of Trump’s most vocal critics, Schiff has been extremely cautious in pinning any blame of collusion on the president, stressing that it is too early to jump to conclusions.

But his public showdown with Intelligence Committee chair Devin Nunes, and Schiff’s dogged insistence on reaching each and every campaign and administration official who could be involved in the case, makes clear that Schiff will not let go until the truth about the Russian case comes to light.

Raised in a Jewish family in Massachusetts, Schiff credits his faith for steering him toward public service. His favorite quote is from the book of Micah, which discusses God’s moral requirements: “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

As a representative of the congressional district with the largest Armenian-American population, Schiff is also the leading voice in Congress demanding recognition of the Armenian genocide.

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