“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 hearing on March 26, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democratic representative, is facing numerous ethics charges, including failing to adhere to campaign finance laws and allegedly using her position to benefit allies. The committee’s investigation has uncovered substantial evidence of 27 counts of ethics violations against her, a serious matter that has drawn significant attention.
The House Ethics Committee, which rarely holds public hearings—having last done so over 15 years ago—will allow investigators to present their findings during the two-hour session. This hearing follows a recommendation from the Office of Congressional Ethics that prompted the investigation into Cherfilus-McCormick’s conduct.
In a striking development, Cherfilus-McCormick has pleaded not guilty to federal charges, including theft of government funds and money laundering, with allegations suggesting she may have misappropriated as much as $5 million in COVID-19 disaster relief funds.
William R. Barzee, Cherfilus-McCormick’s lawyer, cautioned that defending herself before the committee could jeopardize her position in the ongoing criminal trial, stating, “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.”
As the hearing approaches, some members of Congress, including Representative Mike Johnson, have expressed concern about the evidence against Cherfilus-McCormick. 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.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, Jeffries defended Cherfilus-McCormick’s right to due process, emphasizing the importance of the legal framework surrounding her case. “Let’s see what happens in the Ethics Committee,” said Representative Pete Aguilar, hinting at the unpredictable nature of the proceedings.
As the committee prepares to present its findings, the implications of this hearing could be far-reaching, potentially leading to significant consequences for Cherfilus-McCormick’s political career. The last member of Congress to be expelled was Rep. George Santos in 2023, a stark reminder of the potential fallout from ethics violations.
With 33,000 documents reviewed during the investigation, the committee’s findings are expected to shed light on the serious allegations against Cherfilus-McCormick. Details remain unconfirmed as the public awaits the outcome of this unprecedented hearing.
