To the exits?
Florida’s congressional delegation started this Congress with one member down in January 2025. It could lose at least one more to resignations or expulsion this week and possibly stay short the rest of the year.
The House Ethics Committee will meet this afternoon, where members will decide the most appropriate punishment for Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Miramar Democrat found guilty last month of 25 charges that she violated House rules and ethical standards. Some of her colleagues hope to follow that up with a vote as soon as this evening to expel her from the House.
That would make her just the seventh member of Congress ever forced out of the body and the first woman to face expulsion.
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick faces potential expulsion vote; Florida delegation could shrink further amid ethics probes. Image via Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call.
Most charges stem from allegations she wrongly directed more than $5 million in overpayments by Florida to Trinity Health Care Services, a business she helped found, into a series of other entities and eventually into her 2021 congressional campaign account.
In the House Ethics trial last month, Cherfilus-McCormick’s attorney took issue with how House investigators categorized transactions. While a report and panelists often characterized the money as “laundered” or ill-gotten, attorney William Barzee said the payments were sent for a service, administering COVID vaccines in underserved communities. That work, he stressed, was done. And while the business and the state had to settle on overpayments, Barzee said the profits sent to Cherfilus-McCormick were hers to spend how she wanted, including on self-funding a campaign.
House expulsion may be the least severe punishment Cherfilus-McCormick faces over the money issue, though. She also awaits a federal trial, currently expected in February. Barzee has also argued that any deliberation over the Ethics case has compromised her own right to remain silent ahead of her trial.
Regardless, colleagues in the House from both parties feel eager to put the matter behind them in Washington. Rep. Greg Steube, a Sarasota Republican, has an expulsion measure ready, and Speaker Mike Johnson said she should be removed quickly. That will require a two-thirds vote of Congress, but many Democrats, including Rep. Kathy Castor of Tampa, say they are also ready to see her go.
But Cherfilus-McCormick is not the only member of the state delegation under fire this week. Late Monday, Rep. Nancy Mace, a South Carolina Republican, filed papers to expel Rep. Cory Mills, a New Smyrna Beach Republican who is under Ethics investigation for a series of personal scandals.
“The swamp has protected Cory Mills for far too long, and we are done letting it slide,” Mace said.
Mills is accused of profiting from defense contracts while in Congress, assaulting a girlfriend living in his Washington apartment, threatening to release intimate photos of another girlfriend who lived in his Florida home, and exaggerating his military service. Mills has called all allegations baseless and reportedly may file a resolution to expel Mace in response.
“I’m hearing lots of former staffers and others coming forward with horrible stories. Nancy’s office turnover (is) one of the highest in 20 years!” he noted on X, ironically sourcing tips to the last expelled member of Congress, former Rep. George Santos of New York.
Considering Mills’ own Ethics investigation is in a much earlier stage — no adjudicatory panel has been named — an expulsion resolution would leapfrog the established process. But there has been a hunger to “clean house” ahead of the Midterms. Two lawmakers, Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas and Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell of California, resigned amid sex scandals last week.
Should any Florida members be expelled, it will be up to Gov. Ron DeSantis whether to call Special Elections to replace them or let the seats be filled in the regular Midterm Election cycle.
Standing with Israel
More than two years after the Oct. 7 terror attacks in Israel, Sen. Rick Scott wants accountability for United Nations groups accused of aiding Hamas.
During a Senate Foreign Affairs Committee meeting, he introduced the Stop Support for UNRWA Act and the IGO Anti-Boycott Act, both of which are aimed at U.N. entities.
Rick Scott pushes legislation targeting U.N. agencies over alleged Hamas ties and Israel boycotts.
One measure would eliminate any funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, which fired nine staff members after an investigation that they aided in the Oct. 7 attacks. The second bill would mandate a public accounting of organizations like the Intergovernmental Organization at the U.N. that encourage boycotts of Israel.
“My bills affirm that our commitment to our allies will never be subordinated to the agendas of unaccountable international organizations,” Scott announced at the hearing.
“They say clearly that America stands for accountability, for freedom, and for allies who share our belief in liberty, not those who rip us off by taking our tax dollars and defend terrorists.”
He presented the legislation at a hearing where Michael Waltz, U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., testified. Scott encouraged Waltz, a former Florida Congressman, to also press any international organizations working with the U.S. to advance, not erode, the nation’s values.
Charter school flex
During a visit to a charter school in Tampa Bay, Sen. Ashley Moody said she wants to export Florida’s enthusiasm for school choice nationwide.
There, she promoted the Fostering Learning and Excellence in Charter Schools (FLEX) Act, which she said would allow more federal charter school grants, which normally just go to startups, to be issued for expansions based on educational needs.
Ashley Moody promotes FLEX Act in Tampa Bay visit, aiming to expand charter school funding flexibility nationwide.
“Florida is a national leader in education and in the school choice movement, because we empower parents and educators to meet the unique needs of every student,” the Plant City Republican said during a stop at LLT Academy South Bay.
“The FLEX Act will strengthen these efforts by allowing Florida educators, not Washington bureaucrats, decide how best to use federal grants.”
The legislation would allow dollars to be spent on student-centered programs based on specific community needs and repairs to existing infrastructure, with flexibility to transfer funds among multiple subprograms and to provide training for in-demand careers.
Responding to responders
Congress last week marked National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, with Rep. Kat Cammack filing legislation to strengthen national hotline services.
The Gainesville Republican filed the Answering the Call Act, which would enhance 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline training to tailor services for first responders.
Kat Cammack files the Answering the Call Act to expand 988 support for first responders’ mental health.
“First responders run toward danger in our darkest moments — and as the wife of a first responder, I’ve seen the reality of that sacrifice up close,” Cammack said.
“The stress, the sleepless nights, and the weight they carry home after every shift is real. This bill is about having their backs the same way they’ve always had ours. By expanding awareness, protecting privacy, and delivering support tailored to their experiences, we’re making sure our public safety telecommunicators, firefighters and EMTs have access to the care they deserve.”
First responders from the Sunshine State were among the first to endorse the bill.
“Behavioral health is a readiness issue for the fire service,” said Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association President William Barrs.
“Supporting the mental wellness of our personnel not only protects the individuals who serve our communities but also strengthens the resilience and effectiveness of our emergency response systems. The Florida Fire Chiefs’ Association stands ready to assist in advancing this important legislation and to partner in efforts that improve the health, safety, and well-being of our nation’s first responders.”
Florida Sheriffs Association President and Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma added, “Congresswoman Kat Cammack has long been a friend to Florida’s sheriffs and a steadfast advocate for law enforcement. The Answering the Call Act of 2026 is yet another example of her continued advocacy for law enforcement. Florida’s sheriffs are grateful for the federal support focused on the mental health and well-being of our first responders.”
Praying for Congress
A Florida chaplain led the House in prayer on Monday, as Pastor Chad Weeks of Russell Baptist Church in Green Cove Springs delivered the opening prayer on the floor.
“God of heaven and sovereign Lord of the nations, we come before you in this chamber, mindful of your holiness, goodness, justice and mercy. From our founding, this nation has known its need for you,” he stated, “and we confess that we’ve often strayed from your ways. Have mercy on us and forgive us. We thank you for sustaining, preserving, and protecting this nation through these 250 years.”
Rep. Aaron Bean, a Fernandina Beach Republican, praised the Clay County holy leader from Florida’s 4th Congressional District.
“In a season of rapid growth, he has remained steadfast in holding firm to biblical truths while investing in the next generation, through thriving children’s and youth ministries and community outreach,” Bean said.
To watch the prayer, please click the image below:
Money for MacDill?
As the House begins work on the next National Defense Authorization Act, Castor made the case in the House Armed Services Committee for greater investment at MacDill Air Force Base.
The Tampa Democrat urged colleagues to help modernize the headquarters of U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM), improve on-base military housing availability, and update pay designations for the civilian workforce. The current pay formulas harm support staff who struggle to afford life in Tampa Bay, she argued.
Kathy Castor pushes MacDill upgrades, pay changes as defense bill work begins.
“Presently, the Tampa/St. Petersburg Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) falls under the ‘Rest of U.S.’ locality pay area designation and does not reflect the reality of the rising cost of living in the area,” she said.
“Of significance to our nation’s defense capabilities, this current designation does not compete with the levels of compensation provided by non-federal employers with the U.S. military in the Tampa Bay region. This has had such an impact on MacDill’s operations that in 2024, an 8-star memo was sent by the U.S. CENTCOM and U.S. SOCOM Commanders to the Office of Management and Budget, the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), and the Secretary of Labor expressing concern of locality pay’s impacts to the recruitment and retention of civilian employees who are vital to the military missions at MacDill.”
She also lamented that the SOCOM budget has remained stagnant for almost a decade, at around $20 billion. That doesn’t allow proper updating to a headquarters built in the 1960s for military needs from the prior century. Changing military pressures require a fresh investment, she said.
Septic savings
Three Florida lawmakers have joined forces to provide a tax break for those converting from septic systems to sewer use.
GOP Reps. Gus Bilirakis, Bean and Steube introduced the bipartisan Septic Exclusion for Property owners through Tax-free Infrastructure Compensation (SEPTIC) Act. Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York spearheaded the bill.
“Families shouldn’t be taxed for making critical upgrades that protect their health, water quality and their communities,” said Steube, whose District has seen a major septic-to-sewer conversion in the Phillippi Creek area.
Gus Bilirakis, Aaron Bean and Greg Steube back the SEPTIC Act for tax-free sewer conversion aid.
“Florida represents 12% of the United States’ septic systems. Failing septic systems pose a serious risk to our water supply and public health. In Florida alone, approximately 2.6 million households rely on septic systems, making this an issue that impacts millions of families across our state. The SEPTIC Act ensures homeowners can access assistance to fix these systems without being hit with an unexpected tax bill.”
Bilirakis said that providing tax relief would also incentivize upgrades that benefit the environment and the entire community.
“Outdated septic systems in Hernando, Citrus, and Pasco Counties threaten the health of our waterways and communities,” the Palm Harbor Republican said.
“I am proud to co-lead the SEPTIC Act to authorize septic replacement grants that will help modernize aging systems, reduce pollution and protect Florida’s natural resources for future generations. This commonsense legislation supports homeowners, strengthens infrastructure, and helps preserve the waterways that are vital to our economy and way of life.”
Chronic conditions
At a House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee meeting last week, Rep. Vern Buchanan pressed Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. on efforts to prevent chronic disease.
“Mr. Secretary, I appreciate our strong partnership in advancing the health of this country. I look forward to continuing to work together to support a health care system that values prevention, not reaction,” said Buchanan, a Longboat Key Republican.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. discusses chronic disease prevention with Vern Buchanan at House hearing.
“Together, we’ve accomplished so many things to support health and prevention. For example, we’ve worked on a new food pyramid — real food, cutting ultra-processed food, and we’ve also brought back the Presidential Fitness Test, which I’m excited about.”
But Buchanan also lamented that despite the U.S. spending $3.5 billion annually on health care, the general health of Americans has worsened, with six in 10 now having a chronic disease, including 95% of Medicare beneficiaries.
“Roughly half of the adult population is projected to be obese by the end of this decade. I believe this problem stems from unhealthy and ultra-processed foods, and I applaud HHS and its continued support and leadership on this issue,” Buchanan said.
“We must prioritize prevention as the key to reversing trends in heart disease, obesity and diabetes. I believe the best way to bend the cost curve is by making sure people don’t get sick in the first place.”
Kennedy suggested the current administration has shifted things toward science-based guidelines.
“Every recommendation is cited and sourced to multiple peer-reviewed publications,” Kennedy said. “That’s the beginning. The next part is to drive those changes into dietary culture in our country.”
Deregulating dealers
Rep. Byron Donalds wants Congress to clearly delineate between stock trades conducted by professional firms and those by private traders. He said such a move will prevent regulatory overreach experienced from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) under President Joe Biden.
“It is no secret that the Biden administration deputized regulators to circumvent Congress and carry out their political agenda. Under then-Chairman (Gary) Gensler, the SEC disregarded decades of securities law and tried to put the federal government in the middle of every transaction,” said Donalds, a Naples Republican and former portfolio manager.
Byron Donalds introduces the Defining Dealer Act to clarify SEC rules for traders and firms.
“Thankfully, this extreme overreach has been stopped for now, but it is time for Congress to codify these long-standing principles and prevent this political interference from happening again. That is why I am proud to introduce the Defining Dealer Act, which codifies the universally understood and accepted definition of dealer as any person buying and selling securities for customers.”
The bill would codify that the term “dealer” applies to “any person buying and selling securities for customers.” But those investing just for themselves could be regulated the same.
Public transit pipeline
Transit systems continue to struggle to find skilled workers. But Rep. Frederica Wilson hopes to remedy that with legislation that creates a pipeline from training programs into jobs in the field.
The Miami-Dade Democrat filed the Transit Workforce Development Act, which would allow more of the existing bus and bus facility grants to go toward workforce development, including training programs, registered apprenticeships and labor management partnerships.
Frederica Wilson proposes the Transit Workforce Development Act to boost training and hiring in transit systems.
“Our transit systems cannot run without the people who power them,” Wilson said. “We are facing a workforce crisis. Experienced workers are retiring, technology is rapidly changing the job, and too many agencies do not have the resources to train the next generation. This bill is about investing in people, creating real career pathways, and making sure our transit workforce is ready for the future.”
Her bill would allow 10% of bus and bus-facility grant funds to be used on workforce training, expand eligibility for such programs and support apprenticeships and other training efforts.
The bill has the support of union leaders across the country.
“Public transit is a service that so many working families rely on, and it is crucial that we are investing in the workforce training needed to keep these systems safe and reliable as transit vehicle technology advances,” said Greg Regan, President of the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO.
“TTD strongly supports the Transit Workforce Development Act because it will help to solve some of the current challenges facing transit systems and promote job quality, retention, and recruitment in the industry.”
Another Florida man
Another shake-up in Trump’s Cabinet this time means a promotion of a Florida official into a key role. After Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer’s ouster, former Deputy Secretary Keith Sonderling has now stepped into the acting Secretary role.
“Thank you, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer, for your leadership. Under your reign, the Department of Labor reversed years of bad policy from the previous administration — cutting regulatory burdens, exposing fraud, boosting apprenticeships, and making life more affordable for hardworking Americans,” Sonderling posted to his former superior.
Florida man Keith Sonderling tapped to lead the Labor Department after a cabinet shake-up in the Trump administration.
“Thank you to President Trump for the opportunity to serve as Acting Secretary of Labor. We will keep up the fight to put American workers first.”
Sonderling previously worked on labor and employment law at the West Palm Beach-based Gunster law firm for nearly a decade, becoming a partner. He also served in Trump’s first administration, including a stint as acting administrator of the Labor Department’s Wage and Hour Division. Trump appointed him to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 2019.
On this day
April 21, 1954 — “The Senate comic-book hearings” via the Library of Congress — In the 1950s, worry that reading comic books was turning children into criminals swept America, afflicting parents, law enforcement, and members of Congress alike. Fear of the “Comic Book Menace” was so intense that the Senate convened hearings. “I think Hitler was a beginner compared to the comic-book industry,” testified Dr. Frederic Wertham. “They get the children much younger.” At the time, about one-quarter of all comic books, or 20 million issues a month, fell into the crime and horror category. Meanwhile, America was being rocked by a “rising tide” of juvenile delinquency that Sen. Robert Hendrickson of New Jersey called “the fifth horseman of doom.”
April 21, 1789 — “John Adams sworn in as first Vice President” via the White House Historical Association — Over the next twelve years, John and Abigail followed the federal government as it relocated from New York City to Philadelphia, and finally to Washington, D.C. The constant sojourning in service to their nation was the defining characteristic of the Adamses’ lives. He spent the next eight years in obscurity. In his capacity as President George Washington’s second-in-command, he was largely excluded from Cabinet deliberations. As President of the Senate, Adams’ contributions were shunned, and the Senators dubbed him “His Rotundity.” But after Washington declared his intention to retire in 1796, the country elected Adams.
Happy birthday
Best wishes to Rep. Randy Fine, who turned 52 on Monday, April 20.
___
Peter Schorsch publishes Delegation, compiled by Jacob Ogles, edited and assembled by Phil Ammann and Ryan Nicol.