The U.S. House Ethics Committee ruled on the 27th (local time) that Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat from Florida, violated campaign finance laws. This ruling comes from the committee's first public "trial" in nearly 16 years.

According to the House Ethics Subcommittee, Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick illegally used millions of dollars in campaign funds and violated several campaign finance regulations. Politico reported that the subcommittee may recommend her expulsion from Congress.

The panel's investigative subcommittee deliberated late into the night after a hearing that lasted for several hours. The subcommittee concluded that there was "clear and persuasive" evidence that Cherfilus-McCormick was guilty of all but two of the 27 charges brought against her.

Cherfilus-McCormick, a three-term congresswoman, is also facing related federal criminal charges in Florida.

In a joint statement, House Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest (Republican-Mississippi) and Ranking Member Mark DeSaulnier (Democrat-California) stated, "Immediately upon the House's return from its April recess, the committee will hold an open session to determine what sanctions, if any, the committee may recommend."

In contrast, Cherfilus-McCormick said in a statement, "I look forward to the day I am vindicated," adding, "Until then, I remain committed to fighting for the constituents of Florida’s 20th Congressional District, the people who sent me to Washington, where my focus belongs."

House Republican leadership believes they have enough votes to expel Cherfilus-McCormick if the committee recommends disciplinary action against her. Her expulsion would require a two-thirds majority vote.

Democrats will have to decide whether to support their colleague or accept the Ethics Committee's findings and back any sanctions recommended by the committee.

Representative Greg Steube (Republican-Florida) stated that he is prepared to force a vote on expulsion if Democratic members opt for a lighter punishment for McCormick, such as a reprimand or censure.

Previously, in 2023, the House expelled former Republican Representative George Santos (New York) through a vote. Santos was convicted of wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, and his sentence was later commuted by President Donald Trump.

By Sung Ku Hong, Chief Reporter, NNP USA / Special Correspondent NNP info@newsandpost.com