Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) resigned from Congress on Tuesday just before the House Ethics Committee was set to recommend a punishment for her.
Why it matters: Cherfilus-McCormick was likely on the cusp of being expelled, with even fellow House Democrats saying they could no longer countenance her continued presence in Congress.
- The Ethics Committee found Cherfilus-McCormick guilty of a litany of charges last month, most notably funneling $5 million in COVID relief funds to her congressional campaign. She has denied wrongdoing.
- Many lawmakers expected the Ethics Committee to float a severe penalty, potentially including expulsion.
- It's the third resignation from a House member this month, after Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Tony Gonzales (R-Texas).
What they're saying: Cherfilus-McCormick said in a statement that the Ethics Committee did not give her a "fair process" and that her ongoing criminal trial prevented her from defending herself.
- "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," she said.
- Cherfilus-McCormick said her resignation was "effective immediately," and it was read out on the House floor minutes later.
What we're hearing: Cherfilus-McCormick had been under considerable pressure from Democratic colleagues to step aside rather than force them to vote on her expulsion.
- Multiple members of the Congressional Black Caucus, who had been among Cherfilus-McCormick's most ardent defenders, spoke to her ahead of the Ethics Committee hearing, according to a senior House Democrat.
- Rep. Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), the CBC chair, praised Cherfilus-McCormick in a statement, saying she "contributed to the ongoing effort to ensure that Congress reflects the people it serves."
What's next: Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) was planning to force a vote on expelling Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.) this week, who faces allegations including financial misconduct, campaign finance violations and sexual misconduct, all of which he denies.
- Some Democrats had viewed Mills' expulsion as a necessary counterbalance to Cherfilus-McCormick's in order to neutralize any potential partisan gain from her ouster.
- Mills is currently under investigation by the Ethics committee.
Editor's note: This is a breaking news story and has been updated.
