Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., said the “full and unconditional” preemptive pardons former President Biden issued for past members of the House. Jan. 6 select committee was unnecessary.

“I continue to believe that the grant of pardons to a committee that undertook such important work to uphold the law was unnecessary, and because of the precedent it establishes, unwise,” Schiff said on Monday in a statement. 

“But I certainly understand why President Biden believed he needed to take this step in light of the persistent and baseless threats issued by Donald Trump and individuals who are now some of his law enforcement nominees,” he added.

Schiff served on the committee as a House member. 

Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., chaired the committee, and former Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., served as vice chair.