Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick face fraud allegation charges.
House Democrats Ready to Oust Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Over $5M Fraud Charges — ‘I Won't Hesitate to Call for Resignation’
Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) will face a rare public "trial" before the House Ethics Committee on Thursday, March 26. The Democrat is accused of stealing $5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds during the COVID-19 pandemic and allegedly using part of that money for her congressional run in 2021. Amid this, a new report claims that House Democrats might not remain silent on the matter for long and might even call for Cherfilus-McCormick’s resignation if found guilty.
The serious allegations against Cherfilus-McCormick have put Democrats in a bind, considering that they are counting on their anti-corruption stance to flip the House seats in the upcoming midterm elections in November. House Democratic leadership has said that they will defend Cherfilus-McCormick's right to remain in Congress for the time being, emphasizing the importance of due process.
But, according to Axios, several House Democrats are uncomfortable with her continued presence in Congress, given the severity of the allegations. The news outlet reported that they may not be able to stay silent about the alleged diversion of funds for much longer.
House Democrats on Cherfilus-McCormick’s Fund Misuse Allegations
Cherfilus-McCormick has, however, denied all allegations. But there is a strong possibility of House Democrats calling for her resignation, or even expulsion, if the Ethics panel finds her guilty.
"If the Ethics panel's decision appears to be based on the evidence, and she's found culpable for this misuse of campaign dollars, I won't hesitate to call for resignation," one Democrat reportedly told Axios, on the condition of anonymity. A second House Democrat predicted that many Democrats would call for Cherfilus-McCormick's resignation if she is found guilty.
They further added that if she refuses to resign, many will back the decision to expel her. A third said that if the Florida Representative is found guilty, it would be a "disqualifying offense."
An X user shares news about Representative Cherfilus-McCormick's alleged fraud.
Cherfilus-McCormick Addresses Accusations
The Florida Democrat was indicted in November last year for allegedly stealing from FEMA funding. However, she maintained her innocence. "This is an unjust, baseless, sham indictment — and I am innocent," Cherfilus-McCormick said in a statement, according to CBS News. "The timing alone is curious and clearly meant to distract from far more pressing national issues. From day one, I have cooperated with every lawful request, and I will continue to do so until this matter is resolved."
Apart from being accused of stealing millions in federal funds, Cherfilus-McCormick is also accused of tax fraud and campaign finance violations. After Thursday's (March 26) public trial, the House Ethics Committee is expected to rule on the merits of the allegations and suggest a punishment that could include fines, censure, or expulsion.
Democratic Representative Cherfilus-McCormick might face calls for resignation or even expulsion from Congress.
Cherfilus-McCormick was elected to Congress in 2022 through a special election in Florida's 28th district, succeeding Democratic Representative Alcee Hastings after his death a year earlier. In a statement to CBS News, Cherfilus-McCormick expressed disappointment at the House Ethics Committee's decision to proceed with the hearing.
She maintained her innocence and added that she was "limited" in what she could publicly address because of the ongoing federal case. "I welcome the opportunity to set the record straight and challenge these inaccuracies, when I am legally able to do so," she said.