WASHINGTON – After a rare and dramatic public hearing, a special House Ethics subcommittee on Friday found Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., guilty of 25 ethics charges, capping a three-year investigation into allegations she stole millions in federal relief funds and funneled some of that to her congressional campaign.
The secret vote came after Cherfilus-McCormick and her attorney sat for a nearly seven-hour televised House trial, after which lawmakers on the panel deliberated overnight for hours before reaching their decision.
Cherfilus-McCormick has denied wrongdoing and pleaded not guilty in a separate federal criminal case.
The decision likely sets the stage for Cherfilus-McCormick’s ouster from Congress. Even before the trial, GOP Rep. Greg Steube, a fellow Floridian, had threatened to force a vote on expelling the congresswoman from the House.
After Friday’s development, several Democrats publicly called on Cherfilus-McCormick to either resign or be expelled.
“You can’t crime your way into legitimate power,” Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., posted on X. “Since she was found guilty, she should resign or be removed.”
Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., did not answer when asked Friday if Cherilus-McCormick should remain in the House.
The Ethics Committee said it will hold a hearing after the House’s two-week spring recess to determine any possible sanctions, which could include censure, removal from committees or expulsion.
