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NewsFox News PoliticsMay 4, 2026United States

Former Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick barred from federal business following fraud indictment

The Department of Homeland Security has suspended former Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick and her associates from receiving federal contracts, grants, or aid. This action follows her indictment for allegedly stealing $5 million in COVID-19 FEMA relief funds and misusing campaign contributions.

ethicsfraudcampaign financefederal contractsDHSFEMA
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Why It Matters

The prevents the former congresswoman and her named associates from accessing federal taxpayer-funded programs while she faces criminal charges and runs for re-election.

Key Facts

  • The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has suspended Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick from receiving federal contracts, grants, or aid.
  • The suspension also applies to Edwin Cherfilus and other associates and entities named in the federal indictment.
  • Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted in November 2025 for allegedly stealing $5 million in COVID-19 FEMA funds.
  • The House Ethics Committee previously identified 18 campaign finance violations, five counts of false financial disclosures, three counts of misusing official funds, and one count of lack of candor.
  • Cherfilus-McCormick resigned from Congress in late April 2026.
  • The suspension is linked to the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud, established by President Donald Trump and led by Vice President JD Vance.
  • Cherfilus-McCormick is currently running to regain her congressional seat in the November election.
  • Cherfilus-McCormick denies the allegations and claims the House Ethics process was unfair.

Who's Mentioned

personEdwin Cherfilus“Brother of Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, also suspended from federal business.”organizationFEMA“Federal Emergency Management Agency, the source of the allegedly stolen funds.”personJames Percival“DHS General Counsel.”organizationTurning Point USA“F MN GOV’T AS GOP BLASTS WALZ TIES U.S. Vice President JD Vance speaks during a ”personDonald Trump“President of the United States.”organizationDepartment of Homeland Security“Federal agency that issued the suspension.”personSheila Cherfilus-McCormick“Former U.S. Representative for Florida's 20th district, currently under indictme”personJD Vance“Vice President and leader of the Task Force to Eliminate Fraud.”