Indicted Florida Democrat Faces Possible Expulsion Over Alleged $5M Disaster-Fund Scheme — Vote Delayed

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) was indicted Wednesday evening on charges that she diverted a mistaken $5 million federal disaster-relief payment through a family-owned health-care company, allegedly enriching relatives and associates and using some funds to support her 2021 congressional campaign. Cherfilus-McCormick has denied the allegations and said she has cooperated with investigators.

Immediately after the indictment, Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) announced plans to bring a resolution to expel Cherfilus-McCormick from the House. Steube later said he would give the congresswoman a window to resign voluntarily and that he would wait until the House Ethics Committee releases its report before forcing a floor vote.

Steube told Politico he would move forward if Cherfilus-McCormick does not resign by the time the Ethics Committee issues its findings.

Background and developments

The Justice Department alleges the congresswoman funneled a $5 million mistaken federal payment through a family business and steered funds to family members and associates, with a portion used to benefit her 2021 campaign. The House Ethics Committee has been investigating aspects of Cherfilus-McCormick's campaign finances for years, and the indictment accelerates a process that could include both congressional and criminal proceedings.

Cherfilus-McCormick's office issued a forceful denial, calling the indictment unjust and politically motivated and reiterating her cooperation with investigators. House Democrats stressed the importance of the presumption of innocence and urged that the legal process be allowed to run its course.

Political and procedural context

Steube's decision to delay an immediate floor vote mirrors the approach taken after the indictment of former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), who remained in Congress while under investigation and later faced expulsion after an Ethics Committee report. The episode highlights growing tensions in the House over how and when to discipline members, with partisan divisions complicating efforts to respond swiftly to allegations of misconduct.

As a precaution under House Democratic rules, Cherfilus-McCormick stepped down from her role as the senior Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee's Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa while investigations continue. Congressional leaders on both sides have emphasized adherence to institutional rules and the rule of law as the matter unfolds.

What happens next

The Ethics Committee's report will likely shape whether an expulsion resolution moves forward. If the committee issues findings that increase pressure on members, Rep. Steube has signaled he will bring his resolution to the floor. Separately, federal prosecutors will continue their criminal case in court, where Cherfilus-McCormick will have the opportunity to defend herself.

For now, Cherfilus-McCormick remains in the House while both congressional and criminal processes continue. Emily Brooks contributed reporting.