Democrat Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick has resigned from Congress as she has been accused of stealing FEMA funds for her political campaign. An expulsion vote was set to take place to remove the congresswoman.
Cherfilus-McCormick said in a statement, "This was not a fair process. The Ethics Committee refused my new attorney's reasonable request for time to prepare my defense. By going forward with this process while a criminal indictment is pending, the Committee prevented me from defending myself. I will not stand by and pretend that this has been anything other than a witch hunt. I simply cannot stand by and allow my due process rights to be trampled on, and my good name to be tarnished. 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. I hereby resign from the 119th Congress, effective immediately."
"But let me say this plainly: we should be very careful about the precedent we are setting. In this country, we do not punish people before due process is complete. We do not allow allegations alone to override the will of the people. That is a dangerous path, and one that should concern every American, regardless of party. To my constituents, it has been the honor of my life fighting for you in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thank you for standing with me and fighting alongside me. This fight is far from over."
Last month, a House Ethics subcommittee reported that Cherfilus-McCormick was found guilty for allegedly funnelling millions of dollars in FEMA funds to her congressional campaign in Florida's 20th Congressional District. She is also facing a criminal investigation because of the allegations.
Cherfilus-McCormick is the third member of Congress to resign since April 13. Democrat lawmaker from California Eric Swalwell has resigned amid sexual assault allegations against him. Republican Rep. Tony Gonzalez, of Texas, has also resigned after an affair between him and a staffer was exposed. The staffer later committed suicide by lighting herself on fire.
Cherfilus-McCormick said in a statement, "This was not a fair process. The Ethics Committee refused my new attorney's reasonable request for time to prepare my defense. By going forward with this process while a criminal indictment is pending, the Committee prevented me from defending myself. I will not stand by and pretend that this has been anything other than a witch hunt. I simply cannot stand by and allow my due process rights to be trampled on, and my good name to be tarnished. 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. I hereby resign from the 119th Congress, effective immediately."
"But let me say this plainly: we should be very careful about the precedent we are setting. In this country, we do not punish people before due process is complete. We do not allow allegations alone to override the will of the people. That is a dangerous path, and one that should concern every American, regardless of party. To my constituents, it has been the honor of my life fighting for you in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thank you for standing with me and fighting alongside me. This fight is far from over."
Last month, a House Ethics subcommittee reported that Cherfilus-McCormick was found guilty for allegedly funnelling millions of dollars in FEMA funds to her congressional campaign in Florida's 20th Congressional District. She is also facing a criminal investigation because of the allegations.
Cherfilus-McCormick is the third member of Congress to resign since April 13. Democrat lawmaker from California Eric Swalwell has resigned amid sexual assault allegations against him. Republican Rep. Tony Gonzalez, of Texas, has also resigned after an affair between him and a staffer was exposed. The staffer later committed suicide by lighting herself on fire.
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