“She’s going through the process right now, and any effort to expel her lacks any basis, at this moment, in law, fact or the Constitution,” stated House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the ethics proceedings against Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.
The House Ethics Committee is set to hold a public hearing on March 26, 2026, in Washington, D.C., to address numerous ethics charges against Cherfilus-McCormick. These allegations include failing to adhere to campaign finance laws and using her congressional position to benefit allies.
According to the committee’s investigation, substantial evidence has been found, leading to 27 counts of ethics violations against her. This inquiry has been ongoing since 2023, following a recommendation from the Office of Congressional Ethics.
Cherfilus-McCormick has pleaded not guilty to federal charges, which include theft of government funds and money laundering, linked to an alleged $5 million theft from COVID-19 disaster relief funds. Her lawyer has requested a delay in the hearing until after her criminal trial, arguing that defending herself could jeopardize her case.
William R. Barzee, Cherfilus-McCormick’s attorney, warned, “If the Member wishes to defend herself before the Committee, she will be doing so at her own peril because anything she does to defend herself before the Committee could end up prejudicing her in a subsequent criminal trial.”
The hearing is expected to last two hours, during which House investigators will present their findings, including a review of 33,000 documents related to the case.
In a statement reflecting on the seriousness of the situation, House Majority Leader Mike Johnson remarked, “This is a very serious matter. I think even many Democrats … have publicly said that the evidence is so stark and irrefutable that it’s almost presumed guilt.”
Public hearings by the House Ethics Committee are rare, with the last instance occurring over 15 years ago. The committee’s actions could have significant implications for Cherfilus-McCormick, especially considering the recent expulsion of Rep. George Santos in 2023.
As the hearing approaches, the political landscape remains tense, with many awaiting the committee’s findings and potential consequences for Cherfilus-McCormick.
Details remain unconfirmed.