Florida Democratic Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick narrowly avoided expulsion from the House of Representatives.
The House Ethics Subcommittee found her guilty of most campaign finance violations she faced earlier this year. A bipartisan group voted to initiate proceedings that could result in her expulsion, with allegations of laundering millions of dollars in Federal Emergency Management Agency funds linked to coronavirus contracts into her campaign accounts.
“That raises serious concerns about due process,” she expressed.
“After extensive discussions that lasted until after midnight, the Adjudication Subcommittee verified that Counts 1-15 and 17-26 were proven,” the commission stated in a report. “Upon the House’s return from its April recess, the full committee will convene to discuss possible sanctions.”
The verdict followed a six-hour hearing—the first public ethics hearing since 2010.
Cherfilus-McCormick is facing multiple charges beyond the federal ones. These include accusations of filing false financial disclosures and misappropriating campaign funds.
Before the hearing, she criticized the committee’s timing, claiming her legal team had inadequate preparation time for the trial. “This raises serious concerns about due process and the fundamental rights afforded to all Americans under the Constitution,” she commented. “While my ability to respond is limited due to ongoing federal matters, I have cooperated fully within those constraints.”
“I urge the commission to adhere to its precedent, maintain impartiality, and ensure that this process isn’t influenced by politics,” she continued. “I’m ready to set the record straight concerning these inaccuracies. I am innocent and will continue to fight for my constituents.”
To formally expel Cherfilus-McCormick, a two-thirds majority in the House would be required, necessitating some Democrats to side with Republicans.
