Congressional Vote Needed to Expel Florida Congresswoman Indicted for $5 Million Theft

Six members of the U.S. House of Representatives have been expelled in history, with three removed for disloyalty during the Civil War and three for criminal conduct, including fraud. Of those, Michael Myers (D-PA) was expelled in 1980 after being convicted of bribery in the Abscam scandal, and James Traficant (D-OH) was expelled in 2002 following a conviction on charges including bribery, racketeering, and tax evasion, after misusing campaign funds and forcing staff to perform personal labor.

George Santos (R-NY) was expelled in 2023 based on findings by the House Ethics Committee that he committed fraud and misused campaign funds, though he has not yet been criminally convicted. The committee report detailed that Santos fabricated his resume, stole campaign donations, and spent funds on personal luxuries, including Botox and an adult website. While Santos is currently facing 23 felony counts including wire fraud and money laundering, his expulsion was based on ethical violations rather than a criminal conviction.

Other members disciplined for financial misconduct include:

• George V. Hansen (R-ID), reprimanded in 1984 for false statements on financial disclosures.
• Charles Rangel (D-NY), censured in 2010 for improper fundraising and tax violations.
• David Schweikert (R-AZ), reprimanded in 2020 for misusing taxpayer funds and campaign finance violations.

This case highlights the basis for public mistrust in government accountability. While most Americans live from day to day, paycheck to paycheck, just check out how Rep. McCormick lived!

Congressman Greg Steube filed H. RES. 901 to expel McCormick from Congress

Indicted Dem Rep Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick Spent $200,000 in Taxpayer Funds on Luxury Chauffeur Service

Florida congresswoman doled out taxpayer funds to Easy Way Luxury, which offers the ‘pinnacle of luxury and sophistication.’

Case Number: The case is under the District Court for the Southern District of Florida, case number 25-cr-20500.

House Ethics Report: The House Committee on Ethics released a statement of alleged violations in January 2026, stemming from a 59-page investigation that noted a $6M+ increase in her 2021 income driven by the funds in question.

Excerpt from the Indictment:

From on or about August 11, 2021, through on or about August 18, 2021, in the Southern District of Florida, and elsewhere, the defendants, SHEILA CHERFILUS-MCCORMICK and EDWIN CHERFILUS, did knowingly and willfully embezzle, steal, purloin, and convert to their own use money and a thing of value of the United States and of any department and agency thereof, that is, FEMA, the aggregate value of which exceeded $1,000, that is, $5,007,271.50, to which the defendants were not entitled, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 641 and 2. COUNT3 Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering (18 U.S.C. § 1956(h))

Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, serving Florida’s 20th Congressional District, has highlighted her alignment as a “strong Democrat” and has garnered support from several high-profile Democratic leaders and organizations.

Key Endorsements and Support

Nancy Pelosi: Former Speaker of the House endorsed Cherfilus-McCormick, praising her as “masterful at bringing people together” and focused on shared values.

Democratic Leaders: Cherfilus-McCormick has noted support and positive recognition from leaders such as Frederica Wilson, Val Demings, Lois Frankel, and Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

Emgage PAC: Endorsed her, citing her commitment to healthcare access and economic opportunity. Emgage PAC +1

Self-Described “Strong Democrat” Platform

Cherfilus-McCormick describes herself as a “strong lifelong democrat” focused on working with President Joe Biden and democratic leadership on issues such as: Emgage PAC +1

Fixing the housing crisis

Tackling inflation

Growing the local economy

Expanding affordable healthcare

She has emphasized her efforts in Congress to fight for these issues. Sun Sentinel

Our American youths deserve a country and a Congress that uphold the law as families struggle to live within their means. Examples of Congressional excesses and egregious criminal greed by our leaders are breaking the hearts of our children, desperate for worthy role models and despondent when they see avarice rewarded.

Our Congress has thus far failed and refused – in the face of mountains of material evidence – to hold one of its own accountable for alleged self-aggrandizement in excess of $5,000,000 of taxpayer crisis relief funds.

How many, many, many suffering crisis-stricken American families could have been helped with their shares of $5,000,000?

How many, many, many American youths are left without worthy role models whenever leaders are not held accountable?

How many more disillusioned American children will give up their trust in their government and turn their allegiance away from this nation?

©2026 Beverly Newman, Ed. D. All rights reserved.