Summary
A Republican congressman plans to file a censure motion against Democratic U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick after she was indicted on charges of stealing Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster-relief funds. The indictment involves allegations that Cherfilus-McCormick and her co-defendants diverted funds meant for disaster relief into her 2021 congressional campaign. Her attorneys have stated they will fight the charges.
Key Facts
- Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democratic U.S. Representative, faces a federal indictment for stealing about $5 million from FEMA.
- Republican Congressman Greg Steube intends to file a censure motion against her and remove her from congressional committees.
- The indictment alleges that the stolen FEMA funds were laundered and partly used in Cherfilus-McCormick’s 2021 congressional campaign.
- Cherfilus-McCormick and her brother are accused of misusing funds connected to a COVID-19 vaccination-staffing contract.
- Trinity Healthcare Services, her former company, was allegedly overpaid by nearly $5.8 million for COVID-19 work, sparking state concerns.
- The Office of Congressional Ethics reported that Cherfilus-McCormick's income significantly increased in 2021 due to consulting and profit-sharing fees.
- The House Ethics Committee is conducting an investigation into her financial activities.
- U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the seriousness of the charges, stating the importance of holding powerful individuals accountable.
