A congressional Republican moved to expel Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) from Congress after a federal grand jury indicted her for allegedly stealing $5 million in FEMA funds. She faces up to 53 years in prison if convicted. BREAKING: Justice Department Charges House Democrat For Allegedly Stealing $5 Million In FEMA Funds, Faces Up To 53 YEARS In Prison If Convicted Rep. Greg Steube (R-FL) said Thursday he would force a vote on expelling his Democratic colleague from Congress. "I have decided to skip censure and move straight to expulsion. Defrauding the federal government and disaster victims of $5 million is an automatic disqualifier from serving in elected office. Cherfilus-McCormick needs to be swiftly removed from the House before she can inflict any more harm on Congress, her district, and the State of Florida," Steube said. "I’ll be filing the resolution today. If she refuses to resign and save Congress the embarrassment of having to expel her, I will bring this resolution to the floor for a vote," he added. On second thought, I have decided to skip censure and move straight to expulsion. Defrauding the federal government and disaster victims of $5 million is an automatic disqualifier from serving in elected office. Cherfilus-McCormick needs to be swiftly removed from the House… https://t.co/ITDE7ZdNey — Congressman Greg Steube (@RepGregSteube) November 20, 2025 Axios has more: His expulsion resolution cites a "pattern of alleged criminal conduct and ethics concerns" around Cherfilus-McCormick that "raises serious questions about her judgment, integrity, and fitness to continue to serve." Steube's motion, if filed Thursday, would force a vote either this week or the day the House returns from its Thanksgiving recess. Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted Wednesday for allegedly stealing $5 million in FEMA overpayments to her company and using a substantial portion of the money to fund her 2021 congressional campaign. The Florida Democrat won the special primary election to succeed the late Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.) that year by a mere five votes. Meanwhile, the Democrat congresswoman stepped down from her leadership position on a House Foreign Affairs subcommittee. WPLG Local 10 provided additional coverage: Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) steps down from her role as Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee’s Subcommittee on the Middle East and North Africa as she’s charged with stealing $5M in COVID relief she used for her 2021 campaign. She’s facing 53 years in jail. pic.twitter.com/rvkHw8XDLk — Paul A. Szypula (@Bubblebathgirl) November 20, 2025 "This is an unjust, baseless, sham indictment - and I am innocent. The timing alone is curious and clearly meant to distract from far more pressing national issues. From day one, I have fully cooperated with every lawful request, and I will continue to do so until this matter is resolved," Cherfilus-McCormick said in a statement. "I am deeply grateful for the support of my district, and I remain confident that the truth will prevail. I look forward to my day in court. Until then, I will continue fighting for my constituents," she added. I will not be intimidated. Our fight continues. Read the full statement at the link in bio. pic.twitter.com/v3EdXuBnWy — Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (@CongresswomanSC) November 20, 2025 POLITICO noted: Democratic Caucus rules require indicted lawmakers to relinquish committee leadership slots. “Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has proudly represented the people of Palm Beach and Broward Counties since 2022. Consistent with the United States Constitution, she is entitled to her day in court and the presumption of innocence,” Jeffries spokesperson Christie Stephenson said in a statement. These are the first comments from the New York Democrats’ team since news broke Wednesday night of the new allegations against the lawmaker.