Republican to Force Vote on Expelling Cherfilus-McCormick from Congress After Indictment
Rep. Greg Steube, a Republican from Florida, has announced he will force a vote to expel Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick from Congress following her indictment on federal charges related to the alleged theft of $5 million in FEMA disaster relief funds.
Cherfilus-McCormick, who represents Florida’s 20th congressional district, was indicted by a federal grand jury this week on charges that she and her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, received a $5 million overpayment from FEMA in connection with a contract for COVID-19 vaccination staffing in 2021. According to the Justice Department, the funds were allegedly laundered and used to support Cherfilus-McCormick’s 2021 congressional campaign.
The indictment alleges that Cherfilus-McCormick and other co-defendants conspired to route the overpaid funds through multiple accounts to disguise their origin and benefit her campaign. The charges have sparked bipartisan condemnation and calls for swift action.
Steube, who initially called for censure, said Wednesday that censure is not sufficient for a lawmaker accused of defrauding the federal government and disaster victims. “Defrauding the federal government and disaster victims of $5 million is an automatic disqualifier from serving in elected office,” Steube said in a statement. “Cherfilus-McCormick needs to be swiftly removed from the House before she can inflict any more harm on Congress, her district, and the State of Florida.”
Steube pledged to file a resolution to expel Cherfilus-McCormick and bring it to the House floor for a vote if she does not resign. “If she refuses to resign and save Congress the embarrassment of having to expel her, I will bring this resolution to the floor for a vote,” he said.
Cherfilus-McCormick, who has taken leave from her position as ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa, has denied any wrongdoing. In a statement released after the indictment, she said, “I am innocent and will fight these charges.”
The case has drawn national attention, with lawmakers from both parties expressing concern over the integrity of federal disaster relief programs and the conduct of elected officials. The House Ethics Committee is expected to review the matter as well.
Cherfilus-McCormick’s legal team has not yet provided further details about her defense, but the indictment marks a significant development in what could become one of the most high-profile congressional corruption cases in recent years.
As the House prepares for the expulsion vote, the outcome could set a precedent for how Congress handles serious criminal allegations against its members. The case also raises questions about oversight of federal disaster funds and the accountability of elected officials.
Cherfilus-McCormick is currently free on bond and is scheduled to appear in court for further proceedings. The House is expected to take up Steube’s expulsion resolution in the coming days.