A new report from the House Ethics Committee has detailed allegations of misconduct involving Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat from Florida, raising questions about potential violations of federal law and congressional ethics standards. The findings have prompted renewed scrutiny from lawmakers, including Rep. Greg Steube, who has said he plans to reintroduce a resolution calling for disciplinary action.
Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted by a federal grand jury in November on charges related to the alleged misuse of approximately $5 million in COVID-19 pandemic relief funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Prosecutors allege the funds were improperly diverted and used in connection with her congressional campaign. Cherfilus-McCormick has denied wrongdoing and has characterized the investigation as politically motivated.
The House Ethics Committee’s investigative subcommittee reported finding substantial evidence consistent with the allegations outlined in the indictment, as well as additional concerns related to campaign coordination and use of official resources. According to the report, investigators reviewed tens of thousands of documents, interviewed multiple witnesses, and issued numerous subpoenas over the course of the inquiry.
The committee noted that while Cherfilus-McCormick initially cooperated with the investigation by providing documents, she later invoked her Fifth Amendment right against self-incrimination after receiving additional subpoenas. The report also referenced questions surrounding the purchase of a high-value personal item that investigators allege may be connected to misappropriated funds, an issue that has not been resolved.
In response to the report, Cherfilus-McCormick said she was not given a full opportunity to defend herself due to the ongoing legal proceedings and reiterated her innocence. The case remains pending, and congressional leaders have not yet announced what, if any, disciplinary action will follow. As with all criminal and ethics investigations, the congresswoman is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty through the legal process.
