Sheila cherfilus-McCormick Faces Ethics Inquiry and Potential Expulsion
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) is facing a potentially explosive Ethics Committee inquiry, with the possibility of expulsion from Congress looming. The case is drawing attention due to the lack of a traditional adjudicatory subcommittee, a departure from past high-profile ethics investigations. A vote on her expulsion could come after the Ethics Committee concludes its process.
Background: Previous Ethics Cases
The current situation echoes past ethics concerns in the House. In 1989, then-Speaker Jim Wright (D-TX) faced allegations of improper gifts and income. More recently, former Rep. George Santos (R-NY) was expelled in 2023 following an Ethics report detailing a “complex web of unlawful activity” – a case that, like Cherfilus-McCormick’s, did not involve an adjudicatory subcommittee. Also in 2024, Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) resigned before the release of an Ethics report accusing him of misconduct, a case also lacking an adjudicatory subcommittee.
The Current Examination
Cherfilus-McCormick has been under investigation by the Ethics Committee as 2023 and faces serious federal criminal charges.She could face up to 53 years in prison if convicted.
Process and Potential for a Closed Hearing
The Ethics Committee is currently determining weather to hold an open or closed hearing. Committee Chair Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS) stated, “That hearing is generally an open hearing unless there is a request [by the defendant] to close it.” Axios reported Guest added that no decision had been made on this matter.
Cherfilus-McCormick’s office, through spokesperson Anya Pierre-Louis, has offered little comment, stating, “We’re letting the process do its thing.” Pierre-Louis added that any decision to close the hearing would be made independently by the committee.
Expulsion Vote Looms
Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) intends to force a vote on Cherfilus-McCormick’s expulsion following the Ethics Committee’s hearing. He initially planned to do so this week but was persuaded by Republican leadership to wait until after the Ethics process concludes, maximizing the chances of a triumphant vote.
Expulsion requires a two-thirds majority to pass. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) has indicated that Democrats will not support an expulsion vote until the Ethics Committee completes its work, predicting that a premature vote “is going to fail.”
What’s at Stake?
One House Democrat, speaking anonymously to Axios,stated,”She’s in trouble… and I’m not talking politically.” This assessment was based on the report from the Ethics Committee.
Key Takeaways
- Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is under investigation by the house Ethics Committee and faces federal criminal charges.
- The case is unusual in that it does not involve an adjudicatory subcommittee.
- A vote on her potential expulsion from Congress is expected after the Ethics Committee concludes its investigation.
- Expulsion requires a two-thirds majority and currently faces opposition from Democrats.