Embattled Congress member resigns hours before Ethics Committee set to announce sanctions

A Florida Democratic congresswoman facing a mountain of federal charges and ethics violations resigned from Congress Monday just hours before the House Ethics Committee was set to announce sanctions against her.

Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick's chief of staff confirmed the resignation to NOTUS, which came after months of mounting pressure from both parties to step down.

In March, a House Ethics panel found her guilty of more than two dozen violations related to accusations that she funneled Federal Emergency Management Agency, or FEMA, funds into her 2021 congressional campaign. She was also indicted in November on 15 felony counts.

Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) had already drafted an expulsion resolution and was waiting for the Ethics Committee to finish its work before filing it.

“She stole $5 million, she’s been indicted with 15 felonies. If she was found guilty of 25 different ethics violations, I think it’s incumbent on the House to expel her from the body,” Steube said. “I’m shocked that she hasn’t retired.”

Cherfilus-McCormick had previously refused to resign, arguing that due process required a formal finding before any punishment.