WASHINGTON — Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) resigned from Congress on Tuesday, 30 minutes before she was scheduled to appear before an ethics panel over her alleged theft of $5 million in taxpayer money to fund her political ambitions.
“After careful reflection and prayer, I have concluded that it is in the best interest of my constituents and the institution that I step aside at this time,” the Florida Democrat informed House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.).
“I remain committed to supporting a smooth transition and ensuring continuity of service for the district.”
The letter was expected to be read on the House floor later Tuesday afternoon.
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In a separate statement, the congresswoman accused the House Ethics Committee of not engaging in a “fair process” while its investigative subcommittee looked into her purported pilfering of COVID-19 relief funds.
The bipartisan 10-member panel voted to find her “guilty” of at least 25 counts related to the stolen FEMA funds on March 27.
“The Ethics Committee refused my new attorney’s reasonable request for time to prepare my defense,” Cherfilus-McCormick claimed.
“By going forward with this process while a criminal indictment is pending, the Committee prevented me from defending myself. I will not stand by and pretend that this has been anything other than a witch hunt,” she added.
“I simply cannot stand by and allow my due process rights to be trampled on, and my good name to be tarnished. Rather than play these political games, I choose to step away so that I can devote my time to fighting for my neighbors in Florida’s 20th district.”
Her statement also warned about the dangers of setting a new precedent in seeking to “punish people before due process is complete.”
Cherfilus-McCormick is also facing a federal trial over the alleged theft.
“We do not allow allegations alone to override the will of the people. That is a dangerous path, and one that should concern every American, regardless of party,” she declared, adding that the “fight is far from over.”
