25 violations by Florida Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick, ethics panel says

Key Points:

• The House Ethics Committee found Democratic Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick guilty of 25 ethics violations, including breaking campaign finance laws related to millions of dollars from her family’s health care business and Florida’s overpayment of disaster relief funds.
• Cherfilus-McCormick is accused of using these funds to finance her 2022 congressional campaign through a network of businesses and family members, allegations she denies, while also facing federal charges for allegedly stealing $5 million in COVID-19 relief funds.
• The Ethics Committee plans to recommend a punishment after Congress returns in April, potentially leading to a House vote on expulsion, which requires a two-thirds majority and could impact the closely divided chamber.
• Republicans have indicated they may move to expel Cherfilus-McCormick, while some Democrats, including members of the Congressional Black Caucus, have shown support, reflecting divisions within the party.
• The situation echoes the 2023 expulsion of Rep. George Santos, with debates ongoing about the timing of expulsion relative to criminal trials and the political implications for House control.