Florida Congresswoman Resigns Amid Ethics Violations and Federal Indictments

Democratic Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigned from the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, just hours before the House Ethics Committee was scheduled to announce sanctions against her.

The Florida congresswoman, a Democrat, faces 15 federal indictments and 25 ethics violations, according to the committee. The allegations include misusing $5 million in Covid-19 relief funds provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Investigations revealed that Cherfilus-McCormick allegedly diverted the funds into her congressional campaign and purchased luxury items, including a diamond ring.

Statement from Cherfilus-McCormick

"By going forward with this process while a criminal indictment is pending, the Committee prevented me from defending myself. I will not stand by and pretend that this has been anything other than a witch hunt. I simply cannot stand by and allow my due process rights to be trampled on, and my good name to be tarnished."

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Cherfilus-McCormick criticized the Ethics Committee for rejecting her attorney’s request for additional time to prepare her defense, calling the process unfair.

Third Congressional Resignation in a Week

Cherfilus-McCormick’s resignation follows two other high-profile departures from Congress:

• Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell resigned amid multiple sexual misconduct allegations.
• Republican Representative Tony Gonzales stepped down after the release of explicit text messages sent to two former employees, including one who later died by suicide.

Pardon Request and Political Reactions

Prior to her resignation, Cherfilus-McCormick sought a pardon from former President Donald Trump. She reportedly approached him at a White House Christmas party in December 2023 to discuss the matter.

Republican Representatives Nancy Mace and Greg Steube had publicly called for her expulsion from Congress. Meanwhile, Republican Representatives Nancy Mace, Greg Steube, and Cory Mills are also under Ethics Committee investigations but have not resigned.