Democrats face impending dam break on Cherfilus-McCormick
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick speaks at a press conference at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 22. Photo: Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images
House Democrats say privately that they may be unable to maintain their silence much longer on the explosive allegations of misuse of taxpayer funds against Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.).
Why it matters: Cherfilus-McCormick, who has denied any wrongdoing, may face calls for resignation or even expulsion from her own party if the Ethics Committee process goes as many of her colleagues expect it to.
- House Democratic leadership has thus far maintained that they will defend Cherfilus-McCormick's right to remain in Congress until she gets full due process before the panel.
- But there is growing discomfort with her continued presence in the caucus, given the severe nature of the allegations, centered on the charge that she fraudulently funneled $5 million in FEMA funds to her campaign.
- A Cherfilus-McCormick spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment.
What we're hearing: Several House Democrats, speaking on the condition of anonymity to share details about sensitive internal dynamics, said the taboo on publicly discussing Cherfilus-McCormick's ouster may soon be broken.
- "If the Ethics panel's decision appears to be based on the evidence, and she's found culpable for this misuse of campaign dollars, I won't hesitate to call for resignation," one told Axios.
- Another House Democrat predicted a lot of Democrats will call for Cherfilus-McCormick to resign if she is found guilty by the panel, and that many will support expulsion if she doesn't.
- A third told Axios of the allegations against Cherfilus-McCormick: "If found guilty, that is a disqualifying offense."
State of play: Cherfilus-McCormick is set to face a rare public trial before an Ethics Committee adjudicatory subcommittee on Thursday afternoon.
- In addition to the alleged misuse of federal funds, Cherfilus-McCormick is accused of tax fraud and campaign finance violations.
- The panel will then rule on the merits of the allegations against her and recommend a punishment — which could include fines, censure or expulsion — though that could take weeks or even months.
- Cherfilus-McCormick is also set to go to trial next month in a federal criminal case against her, in which she faces up to 53 years in prison if convicted. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Between the lines: Republicans hold a narrow 217 to 214 majority in the House, leading congressional leaders in both parties to scramble to avoid any resignations or other premature vacancies.
- That rally-around-the-flag dynamic has some members grumbling. "There are some very serious accusations against many members. If any of them are true, in many cases, they should probably be ... expelled," the third House Democrat who spoke anonymously told Axios.
- That lawmaker complained that the Ethics process is "fundamentally broken" and has been "deeply disappointed about the pace and disjointed approach so far" in investigations of several members, including Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.).
The intrigue: The matter was briefly brought up at a House Democratic Steering and Policy Committee meeting on Tuesday evening, multiple lawmakers who were present confirmed to Axios.
- "It came up, but only in the context of trying to decide, as a caucus, how to respond to it this week," one said, saying there "wasn't anything settled."
- Cherfilus-McCormick's trial was compared in the meeting to the truncated Ethics investigation into former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), who was expelled after a final Ethics report was released accusing him of a "complex web of unlawful activity."
What they're saying: House Democratic caucus Chair Pete Aguilar (D-Calif.), asked about the Cherfilus-McCormick at a press conference on Wednesday, told reporters, "We'll see what happens in the Ethics Committee."
- Cherfilus-McCormick "has an opportunity to defend herself both from the allegations here [in Congress] as well as those in a courtroom," he added. "After the conclusion of those ... we will have conversations with our colleagues on what it looks like."
- Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.), asked by Axios about Cherfilus-McCormick on Tuesday, replied: "Next question?"
