A bipartisan House ethics panel has found that Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick committed 25 violations of congressional rules and ethics standards, a decision that could pave the way for a potential vote to expel the Florida Democrat from Congress.
The findings were announced after a marathon hearing by the U.S. House Ethics Committee, which concluded that Cherfilus-McCormick violated campaign finance laws and other standards tied to her 2022 congressional campaign.
Findings and Allegations
According to a 242-page report, the violations stem from allegations that Cherfilus-McCormick received millions of dollars linked to her family’s healthcare business after a reported $5 million overpayment in COVID-19 disaster relief funds by the state of Florida.
Investigators said the funds were funneled through a network of businesses and family members and used to support her campaign, which was publicly presented as self-funded.
The panel found her guilty of 25 out of 27 alleged violations, declining to uphold two specific claims, including one related to alleged political assistance tied to a group with foreign funding connections.
Congresswoman Denies Wrongdoing
Cherfilus-McCormick, who is serving Florida’s 20th Congressional District as the first Haitian American Democrat in Congress, has denied all allegations. During the hearing, she declined to testify, invoking her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination.
Her attorney, William Barzee, criticized the proceedings, arguing the panel relied heavily on financial records without allowing a full trial process to present counter-evidence.
He described the investigation as an effort to “throw a woman out of Congress who was duly elected by her constituents.”
Criminal Charges Also Pending
Separate from the ethics inquiry, Cherfilus-McCormick is also facing federal criminal charges related to the alleged misuse of the same $5 million in relief funds.
Prosecutors allege the money was used for personal and campaign-related expenses, including luxury purchases.
She has pleaded not guilty, and a trial is expected in the coming months. Her brother, former chief of staff, and an accountant have also been charged in connection with the case.
Potential Expulsion Vote
The Ethics Committee said it will reconvene after a congressional recess in April to determine what disciplinary action to recommend. Possible penalties range from censure to expulsion.
Greg Steube, a Republican lawmaker, indicated he intends to pursue expulsion proceedings once the committee issues its recommendation.
If brought to the House floor, expulsion would require a two-thirds majority vote.
Political Implications
The case could have broader implications for Democrats as they seek to regain political momentum ahead of upcoming elections, potentially creating divisions within the party.
For now, the outcome of both the ethics process and the pending criminal case will determine Cherfilus-McCormick’s political future.
