Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Pa., stated Tuesday that Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick’s resignation came too late and criticized Democratic leadership for failing to act sooner as allegations of federal funds theft mounted against the Florida lawmaker.
Meuser told “American Agenda” he was not surprised Cherfilus-McCormick stepped down ahead of a likely House expulsion vote following her indictment on charges tied to alleged theft of Federal Emergency Management Agency funds.
“I didn’t know her very well. However, when I first heard, I was certainly surprised when she was accused of stealing — her and others — $5 million from FEMA,” Meuser said. “And then the evidence poured out that it was quite credible.”
Meuser added that the House Ethics Committee had completed its investigation and was preparing to issue findings supporting the allegations.
“The Ethics Committee went through what it had to go through in its investigation and was about to issue a report stating that all of this, as far as they were concerned, was factual,” he said. “So we were going to expel her later today or tomorrow, as soon as we got around to it.”
Instead, Meuser said Cherfilus-McCormick “decided to step down in disgrace.”
“It’s very disgraceful that she decided to try to steal $5 million, utilize it for her campaign, utilize it for personal uses,” he said.
Meuser noted Democratic leadership knew about the allegations but took no action. “The leadership waited for the ethics report and did not call for her resignation.”
Cherfilus-McCormick has denied wrongdoing and is expected to face a criminal trial.
Meuser also highlighted Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif.’s recent resignation amid sexual assault allegations, arguing Democratic leaders failed again to demand accountability. “Regarding Swalwell, really, really same thing,” Meuser said. “Apparently, the rumors were rampant. Leadership knew about it … and once again, the leadership, [Minority Leader] Hakeem Jeffries [D-N.Y.] in particular, never once said he should step down from Congress.”
Meuser added that the pattern reflects poorly on House Democrats. “So it’s really a shame,” he said. “The American people need to push back against that kind of leadership and response when serious wrongdoing is clearly taking place. We need real action, not politics.”
He declined to address calls for Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., to resign, stating the matter remains under review by the Ethics Committee. The committee is investigating whether Mills violated campaign finance laws, received special favors in his position, engaged in sexual misconduct, and misused congressional resources. Mills has denied wrongdoing.
Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., introduced a resolution Monday to expel Mills from Congress.
