Cherfilus-McCormick resigns from Congress before Ethics hearing on sanctions
Summary
Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida resigned from Congress just before the House Ethics Committee was set to decide on sanctions against her for alleged theft and other wrongdoing. She pleaded not guilty to charges of stealing nearly $5 million in federal relief funds but resigned to avoid a likely expulsion vote.Key Facts
- Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick resigned immediately before an Ethics Committee hearing on misconduct allegations.
- She is accused of stealing about $5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds for her campaign.
- The Ethics Committee found strong evidence of misconduct, including false campaign finance reports and improper spending on luxury items.
- A rare public hearing by the Ethics Committee judged that most of the allegations against her were proven.
- Her lawyer argued that the committee’s actions could harm her chance for a fair trial in court.
- Democratic leadership had not yet decided whether to support her expulsion, which would need a two-thirds House vote.
- She is the third member of Congress to resign recently amid misconduct allegations.
- Rep. Michael Guest, chair of the Ethics Committee, said they lost authority over the case once she resigned.
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