Florida Republican Representative Greg Steube is set to censure his Democratic colleague, Rep. Sheila Cherfilus McCormick, following her indictment for allegedly misusing federal disaster funds during her 2021 campaign.
“Tomorrow morning, I will move to censure Congresswoman Cherfilus McCormick and seek her removal from all committees,” Steube announced on social media. He described the situation as one of the worst abuses of public trust he’s encountered, emphasizing that the $5 million intended for disaster relief was meant to support Floridians who were affected by a hurricane.
Steube is determined to push forward with the censure and plans to expel her from Congress if necessary. He stated, “Once the House Ethics Committee wraps up its investigation or if she’s convicted, I will work to have her removed from Congress.”
The Justice Department reported that in 2021, McCormick and her brother allegedly received $5 million in overpayments through a FEMA-funded contract related to COVID-19 vaccinations. This money is said to have been funneled into her campaign as well as for their personal use.
According to authorities, they conspired to move those funds to various accounts to disguise their origin. The indictment also suggests that McCormick conspired with a tax preparer to file false tax returns, inflating personal expenses and charitable donations to lower her taxes.
Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized McCormick’s alleged actions as “selfish” and “cynical,” while U.S. Attorney Jason A. Redding Quiñones noted that the case highlights that no one is exempt from legal repercussions.
If convicted, McCormick could face up to 53 years in prison, with her brother potentially facing 35 years, and others involved facing significant prison time as well. FOX News Digital has sought a response from McCormick’s office.
