House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Devin Nunes (R., Calif.) announced Thursday he has temporarily stepped aside from an ongoing investigation into Russia's involvement in the 2016 presidential election.
Nunes said in a statement that several left-wing groups have filed accusations against him with the Office of Congressional Ethics over revelations that he briefed President Donald Trump on classified intelligence reports revealing that members of his transition team were "incidentally" swept up in foreign surveillance by U.S. spy agencies.
Nunes maintained that the charges are "entirely false and politically motivated," but said it was in the best interest of the committee to temporarily appoint Rep. Mike Conaway (R., Texas) to head the investigation. Reps. Trey Gowdy (R., S.C.) and Tom Rooney (R, Fla.) will assist Conway in leading the probe.
House Speaker Paul Ryan (R., Wis.) told reporters Thursday morning that he does not believe Nunes engaged in wrongdoing.
"Devin Nunes has earned my trust over many years for his integrity and dedication to the critical work that the intelligence community does to keep America safe," Ryan said in a statement. "He continues to have that trust, and I know he is eager to demonstrate to the Ethics Committee that he has followed all proper guidelines and laws."
Ranking member on the House Intelligence Committee Rep. Adam Schiff (D., Calif.) said in a press conference soon after the news broke that he was pleased Nunes had decided to step down.
"I'm sure it was a very difficult decision for him, but as he mentioned, I think it is in the best interests of the investigation," Schiff said.
Schiff led the charge over the past two weeks to pressure Nunes into recusing himself.