US House Weighs Expulsion of Rep. Cherfilus-McCormick Over Ethics Violations

56 articles · Updated · CBS New York · Apr 21

The House Ethics Committee is considering punishment for Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick after finding her guilty of 25 ethics violations.
Cherfilus-McCormick, who faces federal charges for allegedly stealing $5 million in pandemic aid, has refused to resign and maintains her innocence.
Expulsion requires a two-thirds House vote, and her case highlights broader ethics concerns as similar investigations target lawmakers from both parties.

With serious allegations pending, why does expelling a House member remain such a rare and difficult process?

When does alleged misconduct by a lawmaker cross the line from an ethics breach to a federal crime?

How might a federal criminal trial's outcome affect the House's final judgment on a member's ethics violations?

How should Congress balance a lawmaker's accountability with the democratic choice of their district's voters?

Do current financial disclosure laws for officials have loopholes that inadvertently enable misconduct?

How do court-issued protective orders limit public knowledge of misconduct by elected officials?