politics
March 26, 2026
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, Democrat accused of stealing FEMA funds, set to face rare ethics "trial"
Updated on: March 26, 2026 / 11:21 AM EDT / CBS News
TL;DR
- Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida is facing a rare public hearing by the House Ethics Committee on allegations of stealing $5 million in federal pandemic funds.
- The investigation found substantial evidence of misconduct, including the use of funds for personal luxury items and campaign donations, with investigators suggesting potential straw donations and inflated expenses.
- Cherfilus-McCormick has pleaded not guilty to federal charges and maintains her innocence, stating she is limited in her ability to address the allegations due to the ongoing criminal case.
- The Ethics Committee's findings could lead to a recommendation for expulsion from Congress, an action Republicans are pursuing.
- The committee's report detailed a pattern of inaccurate campaign finance reports and alleged improper contributions from a Haitian oil company.
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