Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, has reportedly signed off on subpoenas for the research firm that produced the controversial dossier containing unverified allegations about President Trump and Russia.

Nunes issued the subpoenas on Oct. 4, asking for materials and testimony on the opposition research from Fusion GPS sometime later this month or early in November, CNN first reported Tuesday.

The sign-offs come after the California lawmaker stepped back from leading the panel's inquiry into Russia's interference in the 2016 presidential campaign after an ethics investigation began to look into his handling of the probe when it appeared he was coordinating with the White House.

As chairman, Nunes has the sole authority to sign off on the committee's subpoenas without needing to consult the minority members of the panel, but the move will likely ignite fury among Democrats who say he should not be participating in the probe at all.

And despite handing over the reins to his colleague, GOP Rep. Mike Conaway Kenneth (Mike) Michael ConawayLive coverage: Democrats, Republicans seek to win PR battle in final House impeachment hearing Laughter erupts at hearing after Democrat fires back: Trump 'has 5 Pinocchios on a daily basis' Live coverage: Schiff closes with speech highlighting claims of Trump's corruption MORE (Texas), Nunes allegedly continues to exercise a shadow authority on the Russia investigation, CNN reported.