Rep. Adam Schiff Adam Bennett SchiffChris Matthews ripped for complimenting Trump's 'true presidential behavior' on Ginsburg Trump casts doubt on Ginsburg statement, wonders if it was written by Schiff, Pelosi or Schumer Top Democrats call for DOJ watchdog to probe Barr over possible 2020 election influence MORE (D-Calif.) urged his GOP colleagues to state their private concerns about President Trump Donald John TrumpOmar fires back at Trump over rally remarks: 'This is my country' Pelosi: Trump hurrying to fill SCOTUS seat so he can repeal ObamaCare Trump mocks Biden appearance, mask use ahead of first debate MORE publicly in a Washington Post op-ed Thursday.

"To my Republican colleagues: When the president attacked the independence of the Justice Department by intervening in a case in which he is implicated, you did not speak out," Schiff, the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, wrote. "When he attacked the press as the enemy of the people, you again were silent. When he targeted the judiciary, labeling judges and decisions he didn’t like as illegitimate, we heard not a word. And now he comes for Congress, the first branch of government, seeking to strip it of its greatest power, that of the purse."

ADVERTISEMENT

"Many of you have acknowledged your deep misgivings about the president in quiet conversations over the past two years. You have bemoaned his lack of decency, character and integrity. You have deplored his fundamental inability to tell the truth. But for reasons that are all too easy to comprehend, you have chosen to keep your misgivings and your rising alarm private."

"That must end. The time for silent disagreement is over. You must speak out."

Schiff has been one of Trump's most vocal critics in Congress.

The California lawmaker opened a sweeping committee probe into Trump’s ties to Russia and his personal finances earlier this month.

Trump immediately fired back, calling Schiff a "political hack." Schiff responded that he could understand why Trump was scared of congressional oversight.