“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 as the House Ethics Committee prepares for a pivotal public hearing regarding Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.
The hearing, scheduled for March 26, 2026, in Washington, D.C., will delve into numerous ethics charges against Cherfilus-McCormick, including allegations of failing to adhere to campaign finance laws and using her position to benefit allies. The committee’s investigation has uncovered substantial evidence, leading to 27 counts of ethics violations.
In a climate of heightened scrutiny, Cherfilus-McCormick has pleaded not guilty to federal charges that include theft of government funds and money laundering, with claims suggesting she misappropriated $5 million in COVID-19 disaster relief funds.
William R. Barzee, Cherfilus-McCormick’s lawyer, expressed concerns about the implications of the hearing, noting, “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 House Ethics Committee rarely holds public hearings, with the last instance occurring over 15 years ago. This underscores the gravity of the situation as investigators prepare to present their findings, having reviewed 33,000 documents during their inquiry.
“Let’s see what happens in the Ethics Committee,” remarked Representative Pete Aguilar, reflecting the anticipation surrounding the proceedings.
Meanwhile, Representative Mike Johnson emphasized the seriousness of the matter, stating, “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.”
The hearing is expected to last two hours, providing a platform for the committee to outline the evidence against Cherfilus-McCormick. As the community watches closely, the outcome of this hearing could have significant implications for her political career.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential delays, as Cherfilus-McCormick’s legal team has requested to postpone the hearing until after her criminal trial.
As the situation unfolds, the last member of Congress to be expelled was Rep. George Santos in 2023, setting a precedent that looms over the current case.
