Resignation Calls Mount: Democrats Demand Cherfilus-McCormick Step Down Over Ethics Findings

The House Ethics Committee revealed Friday morning that their Adjudicatory Subcommittee was able to prove 25 out of 27 allegations against Cherfilus-McCormick. It was found that she funded her 2021 House campaign with millions of improperly paid federal disaster funds. The Ethics panel is evenly split between Democrats and Republicans.

Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-Wash.) reacted to the findings in a post on social platform X. She wrote, “You can’t crime your way into legitimate power. Since she was found guilty, she should resign or be removed.” The situation has sparked an intense debate about integrity in Congress.

Rep. Vincente Gonzalez (D-Texas) also called on the Florida Democrat to step aside, comparing her violations to those of former Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.), who was expelled from his role in Congress in 2023. Gonzalez said the Democrat was in a “very similar situation” to Santos, who was sentenced to seven years in prison before President Trump commuted his sentence earlier this year.

“And if it turns out to be egregious, and the facts speak for themselves, I don’t see why — I wouldn’t treat her any differently than I did Santos,” Gonzalez said on Thursday. These statements reflect the seriousness of the accusations and the need to maintain high ethical standards.

Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted with three others in November, accused of stealing $5 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funds to fund her successful campaign and her personal wealth. The congresswoman has denied any wrongdoing in the matter. The Ethics Committee, which held a rare public hearing on the issue on Thursday, is expected to reconvene after a two-week recess to determine next steps in the case against Cherfilus-McCormick.

These accusations have highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in the political arena. The investigation is ongoing and further action is expected.

GOP Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.) said he will introduce a resolution to expel the Democratic lawmaker after the Ethics panel concludes its formal process. Removing a representative from office requires a two-thirds vote and would need significant support from other Democrats.

“If you steal from the American people, you don’t belong in Congress,” Steube wrote Thursday in an X post. “You belong behind bars.” The situation tests partisan unity and the integrity of the political system. The final decision will depend on the will of the members of Congress and the weight of the evidence presented.