Former Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has been temporarily suspended from receiving federal contracts, grants and other funds after DHS said she allegedly diverted about $5 million in FEMA COVID-19 relief. The suspension also covers her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, and related entities named in a November 2025 indictment. A House Ethics Committee report found numerous campaign finance and disclosure violations; Cherfilus-McCormick denies wrongdoing, resigned in late April as expulsion loomed and is still seeking to run for her former seat.
Former Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Suspended From Federal Funding After Alleged $5M FEMA Fraud
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla., speaks after being sworn in during a ceremony in the Broward County Commission chambers in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on Jan. 27, 2025.(Getty Images)
Former U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has been temporarily barred from receiving federal contracts, grants or other government funds after the Department of Homeland Security announced an administrative suspension tied to a federal indictment alleging she diverted roughly $5 million in FEMA COVID-19 relief to herself and associates.
What the Suspension Means
DHS said the suspension prevents Cherfilus-McCormick, certain affiliated companies and individuals named in the indictment from obtaining federal funds while the matter is under review. The agency said the suspension is an initial administrative step intended to protect taxpayer dollars and ensure accountability.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. did not call on Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick to step down before her resignation announcement.
"Former Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick abused Americans’ trust in the most egregious way possible," DHS General Counsel James Percival said in a statement, adding that she "manipulated the COVID-19 crisis to funnel over $5 million of FEMA relief funds to her and her family members."
Indictment and House Ethics Findings
Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted by a Miami grand jury in November 2025 on charges related to the alleged misappropriation of FEMA funds and unlawful campaign contributions. A House Ethics Committee investigation also concluded she committed multiple violations, finding 18 campaign finance breaches, five counts of false financial disclosures, three counts of misusing official funds and one count of lack of candor.
The suspension announced by DHS also names her brother, Edwin Cherfilus, and several associated entities identified in the federal indictment.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance speaks during a Turning Point USA event at Akins Ford Arena at the Classic Center on April 14, 2026 in Athens, Georgia.
Response and Next Steps
Cherfilus-McCormick has denied wrongdoing and criticized the House Ethics process, saying she did not receive adequate time to prepare a defense. She resigned from Congress in late April as Republican lawmakers were preparing to force an expulsion vote and has said she remains a candidate to reclaim her seat in November.
DHS tied the suspension to an executive order establishing the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, which the administration says is focused on combating fraud, waste and abuse in federal benefit programs. Officials cited recent task force enforcement results, including referrals related to suspected hospice fraud and COVID-era loan schemes.
Fox News Digital reached out to Cherfilus-McCormick’s campaign for comment.
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