Story perspectives

Resigns Before Ethics Hearing, Charged in $5M Theft

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigned minutes before a rare ethics hearing that could have expelled her.
She faces a federal indictment alleging she stole about $5 million in disaster relief funds for personal use and her campaign.
The House Ethics Committee issued 59 subpoenas, interviewed 28 witnesses, reviewed over 33,000 pages and found 25 violations.
Governor Ron DeSantis must call a special election as lawmakers consider redistricting the district.

History

Historical Context

Rostenkowski’s 1995 resignation ended a 17-year House career after the 1991-1995 Congressional Post Office scandal, which saw the Capitol Police and Postal Inspection Service expose a mail-fraud scheme that led to his 1996 guilty plea. The scandal fueled the Republican-led “Gang of Seven” push for reform and helped drive the 1994 Republican takeover of the House.

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Story summary

U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick resigned minutes before a rare ethics hearing that could have expelled her.
She faces a federal indictment alleging she stole about $5 million in disaster relief funds for personal use and her campaign.
The House Ethics Committee issued 59 subpoenas, interviewed 28 witnesses, reviewed over 33,000 pages and found 25 violations.
Governor Ron DeSantis must call a special election as lawmakers consider redistricting the district.

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