A determined House Republican, fresh off a successful push for a former colleague’s resignation, is now setting her sights on another member of Congress. Representative Anna Paulina Luna of Florida believes the votes are firmly in place to expel Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida, potentially as early as next week.
Luna asserts that support for expulsion transcends party lines, with both Republicans and Democrats privately indicating their intention to vote for Cherfilus-McCormick’s removal. This growing discontent stems from a recent House ethics subcommittee finding of over two dozen ethics violations against the Florida Democrat.
The allegations are deeply serious, centering around accusations that Cherfilus-McCormick improperly used millions of dollars in disaster relief funds to fuel her own congressional campaign. Adding to the gravity of the situation, she currently faces a federal criminal indictment carrying a potential sentence exceeding fifty years.
A resolution to expel Cherfilus-McCormick is anticipated from Representative Greg Steube, following the House Ethics Committee’s formal recommendation next week. Despite the mounting pressure, Cherfilus-McCormick has publicly stated she will not resign, emphasizing her commitment to her district during a critical time.
Expulsion from Congress is a rare and drastic measure, historically reserved for the most egregious offenses. Luna recently wielded this threat successfully against former Representative Eric Swalwell, prompting his resignation before a formal expulsion vote could be held.
Luna had prepared a motion to expel Swalwell, but his office preemptively informed her of his impending resignation just before the deadline. This followed accusations from five women, including a former staffer, alleging sexual misconduct and rape. Swalwell has denied any criminal wrongdoing and intends to vigorously defend himself against the claims.
Luna argued that the severity of the allegations against Swalwell demanded a forceful response, breaking with the traditional reluctance to pursue expulsion without criminal charges or an Ethics Committee finding. She expressed dismay at what she perceived as a culture of silence on Capitol Hill regarding Swalwell’s alleged behavior.
Luna revealed she had shared additional, previously unreported information regarding Swalwell’s conduct with the FBI, and predicted further allegations would surface. She also voiced support for the recent resignation of former Representative Tony Gonzales, who stepped down to avoid a similar removal vote.
Luna framed her actions as a commitment to serving her constituents and upholding ethical standards. She believes that tolerating unethical, immoral, and illegal behavior within the institution undermines public trust and compromises the integrity of those who genuinely seek to serve.
She expressed frustration with colleagues who prioritize political expediency over principle, and emphasized the importance of accountability for those who betray the public’s trust. Luna’s actions signal a willingness to challenge the status quo and demand a higher standard of conduct from members of Congress.
