“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 public hearing regarding Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick.
The hearing, scheduled for March 26, 2026, in Washington, D.C., will delve into numerous ethics charges against Cherfilus-McCormick, 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.
In a striking backdrop, Cherfilus-McCormick has also pleaded not guilty to federal charges, including theft of government funds and money laundering, related to an alleged $5 million theft from COVID-19 disaster relief funds.
“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,” warned her attorney William R. Barzee.
The Ethics Committee’s investigation began in 2023 after the Office of Congressional Ethics recommended a probe into Cherfilus-McCormick’s actions. The committee has reviewed an extensive 33,000 documents during this investigation.
Public hearings by the House Ethics Committee are rare, with the last one occurring over 15 years ago. This adds a layer of urgency and significance to the upcoming proceedings.
Committee members are acutely aware of the implications of their findings. “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,” remarked House Speaker Mike Johnson.
As the hearing approaches, other lawmakers are watching closely. “Let’s see what happens in the Ethics Committee,” said Rep. Pete Aguilar, indicating the high stakes involved.
The hearing is expected to last two hours, during which House investigators will present their findings. The outcome could have significant implications for Cherfilus-McCormick’s political future and the broader landscape of ethics in Congress.
