Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Found in Violation of House Rules by Ethics Committee

The House Ethics Committee has determined there is "clear and convincing evidence" that Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) violated House rules.

This finding followed a public hearing held on Thursday night. The committee statement indicated that 25 of the 27 alleged violations outlined in the Statement of Alleged Violations (SAV) were proven.

Criminal Indictment and Ethics Allegations

Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted in November on allegations of misusing $5 million in disaster relief funds to finance her 2021 special election campaign. Federal prosecutors claim she diverted FEMA overpayments, which were distributed to Trinity Healthcare Services, a company owned by her family, to support her campaign. She has pleaded not guilty to these charges.

The alleged violations included improper receipt of funds and commingling personal and campaign funds.

Investigators on a bipartisan subcommittee conducted a two-year probe, during which they reviewed over 33,000 documents and interviewed 28 witnesses.

Congresswoman's Response

Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick has denied any wrongdoing. In a statement, she expressed her intention to prove her innocence and stated her focus remains on serving Florida's 20th District.

Legal Proceedings and Defense Arguments

William Barzee, legal counsel for Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, requested a delay or a private hearing, citing limited preparation time. Barzee argued that a public hearing could prejudice the potential jury pool for her upcoming criminal trial, which is expected to begin in April but could be delayed.

Ethics committee counsel Ray Rhatican stated there was "no guarantee" the criminal trial would occur soon. The bipartisan panel denied the request for a delay.

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, the top Democrat on the panel, emphasized the committee's role in enforcing ethics and defending the integrity of the House.

Barzee also stated that previous counsel advised against client participation due to self-incrimination concerns and called for cross-examination of witnesses. Committee members, including Rep. Suhas Subramanyam, pointed out that the congresswoman had opportunities to call witnesses earlier. Chairman Michael Guest (R-Miss.) pushed back on the suggestion that information was new, stating the committee had sought to gather it for two years. Brittney Pescatore, director of investigations, affirmed that Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick was given multiple opportunities to cooperate and provide a witness list, which she did not do.

Specific Charges and Disputed Claims

Panel investigators alleged that Cherfilus-McCormick improperly channeled millions from the Florida Department of Emergency Management Funds through her family's company to her campaign, and also from the Haitian government to campaign vendors.

Barzee contended that his client disputed the alleged facts and was entitled to the money transferred from her family's company, citing an unsigned profit-sharing agreement.

Rep. Nathaniel Moran (R-Texas) highlighted the unsigned nature of the agreement, questioning its validity as substantiation for the claims.

Potential Consequences

In April, the committee will recommend a punishment to the full House. This could include a censure, removal from committees, or expulsion from Congress. Expulsion requires a two-thirds vote. The last member expelled from the House was Rep. George Santos in 2023. Some Republicans and at least one Democrat have indicated they may call for Cherfilus-McCormick's expulsion or resignation.