Florida Congresswoman Faces Imminent Expulsion Over Fraud Allegations
Florida Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick could be expelled from Congress as early as next week following a damning investigative report that substantiates federal fraud charges against her. The Democrat, aged 46, is already facing serious federal allegations concerning the misuse of approximately $5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency funds.
Substantial Evidence of Misconduct Uncovered
On Thursday, the House Ethics Committee's Investigative Subcommittee published a comprehensive 59-page report indicating that their own probe has revealed substantial evidence supporting the charges outlined in her federal indictment. The subcommittee stated that their investigation uncovered conduct consistent with the indictment allegations, as well as more extensive misconduct involving violations of federal laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
The report alleges that Cherfilus-McCormick and her co-defendants used federal emergency cash to fund her 2021 congressional campaign and purchase luxury personal items. According to the lawmakers' findings, these purchases included jewelry from Tiffany's, a Tesla vehicle, designer clothing, stays at high-end hotels, and a cruise.
Congressional Response and Denial
In response to the report's findings, Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick issued a statement denying the allegations. She declared, 'I reject these allegations and remain confident the full facts will make clear I did nothing wrong.' Despite her denial, the evidence presented by congressional investigators appears substantial and detailed.
Florida Republican Congressman Greg Steube has announced he will begin a petition to expel the Democratic congresswoman as soon as next week. Steube wrote on social media, 'In November, I filed a resolution to expel [Cherfilus-McCormick] following her indictment by the DOJ. Today's House Ethics findings detail more than two dozen counts of serious financial crimes. When we return to Washington, I'll call up a resolution to expel her from Congress.'
Historical Context and Legal Consequences
The last member to be expelled from the chamber was former Congressman George Santos, who received a 311-114 expulsion vote in 2023 before being sentenced to nearly seven years in prison for misleading donors and fraudulent campaign spending. Santos had his sentence commuted by former President Trump after serving approximately three months in prison.
Expulsion resolutions in the House require a two-thirds majority vote, meaning approximately 80 Democrats would need to join all Republicans to successfully remove the congresswoman from her position. Historically, only six members of the House of Representatives have been expelled from the body throughout US history.
Details of the Federal Indictment
The federal indictment alleges that Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, conspired to steal money earmarked for FEMA-funded COVID-19 contracts in July 2021. This occurred after their family healthcare company received $5 million in overpayments from the federal agency.
According to Department of Justice allegations, the defendants then funneled substantial portions of these funds through multiple accounts to disguise the money's source. A significant amount was allegedly used to finance her successful 2021 congressional campaign and for the personal benefit of the defendants.
If convicted on all charges, the congresswoman faces a potential maximum sentence of up to 53 years in prison. The case continues to develop as both congressional and federal investigations proceed simultaneously.
