WASHINGTON — A Democratic congresswoman from Florida is confronting unusual public scrutiny Thursday as the House Ethics Committee conducts an uncommon open hearing regarding alleged misconduct that has been under investigation for years.
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, serving her second term, is confronting multiple ethics accusations, including violations of campaign finance regulations, mixing campaign money with personal and business accounts, and leveraging her congressional role to help associates. Additionally, she faces federal criminal charges for allegedly misappropriating $5 million in COVID-19 emergency relief funding.
Following more than two years of investigation, committee officials report discovering “substantial evidence” that Cherfilus-McCormick engaged in the conduct described in the federal criminal case. The congresswoman maintains her innocence.
The proceedings could have major political consequences as some GOP members are pushing for a House expulsion vote. With November elections approaching, both political parties are competing to claim moral authority.
The Florida representative, whose district covers heavily Democratic areas of southeastern Florida, entered a not guilty plea to federal charges and previously described the case as “an unjust, baseless, sham indictment.” She requested the committee delay its hearing until her criminal trial concludes or conduct the proceedings privately, but the investigating subcommittee unanimously rejected both appeals.
Public ethics hearings are extremely uncommon. The last time a current House member underwent such proceedings was over 15 years ago, when Rep. Charles Rangel, D-N.Y., faced a 2010 ethics trial concerning his financial dealings. The committee also conducted hearings that year regarding allegations against Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., but determined there was insufficient proof.
Thursday’s two-hour session will allow House investigators to present their conclusions and propose that the lawmaker panel accept their determination that Cherfilus-McCormick violated ethics rules repeatedly. The complete committee could subsequently suggest disciplinary action.
Attorney William R. Barzee, representing Cherfilus-McCormick, is requesting the subcommittee reverse its earlier decision to proceed publicly. Barzee informed the committee that to protect her Fifth Amendment rights against self-incrimination for the pending federal case, “she must remain silent before the committee.”
Investigators documented their conclusions in a 242-page analysis determining Cherfilus-McCormick violated ethics rules 27 times.
The analysis claims Cherfilus-McCormick initially secured a special election victory in 2022 through a campaign portrayed as self-funded. However, investigators say the campaign actually relied heavily on a $5 million excessive payment for COVID-19 vaccination services that her family’s business received from federal authorities.
Evidence also indicates the congresswoman financed her reelection bid primarily through external organizations managed by relatives and associates, including one entity largely supported by Haiti’s government.
The probe alleges she continued violating ethics standards while in office, including exploiting her position to provide special assistance to allies during budget negotiations and ignoring limitations on volunteer activities by her senior campaign advisor.
Ethics officials report the committee, which began examining this matter in 2023, convened twelve times during the investigation, analyzed over 33,000 documents, and issued numerous subpoenas.
In February, the Florida Democrat entered not guilty pleas to more than twelve federal charges, including government fund theft, creating and accepting illegal campaign contributions, money laundering, and related conspiracy counts.
Federal prosecutors claim she conspired to steal $5 million in disaster relief money incorrectly overpaid to her family’s healthcare business through a federally funded COVID-19 vaccination staffing agreement. Within two months of receiving the funds, prosecutors allege, over $100,000 was used to purchase a 3-carat yellow diamond ring for the congresswoman. Her brother, former chief of staff, and accountant also face charges in the alleged conspiracy.
She has stated she has no intention of resigning. However, Cherfilus-McCormick has resigned from her role as ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Middle East and North Africa Subcommittee, following House Democratic Caucus regulations requiring indicted members to give up committee leadership roles.
Republicans are pursuing exactly that outcome, though it would need substantial Democratic support. Expelling a House member requires a two-thirds majority vote.
Democratic leadership has not yet criticized Cherfilus-McCormick. California Rep. Pete Aguilar, holding the third-highest Democratic leadership position, stated this week he would not “prejudge” the accusations against her.
“Let’s see what happens in the Ethics Committee,” he told reporters at Tuesday’s news conference.
The most recent congressional expulsion was Rep. George Santos, R-N.Y., in 2023. Santos had not been convicted of federal charges, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., opposed the expulsion, citing concerns about establishing a precedent of removing members based on unproven allegations.
However, a harsh House Ethics Committee report preceded Santos’ expulsion vote.
