House Votes to Hold Mayor and Former Aide in Contempt of Congress

<p>The House of Representatives voted unanimously on Tuesday to hold North Miami Beach Mayor Michael Joseph and Hector Roos, a former aide to ex-Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, in contempt of Congress for not cooperating with an investigation by the House Ethics Committee.</p><p>The decision now rests with the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding whether to pursue criminal charges against both individuals. A contempt of Congress conviction could result in a fine of up to $100,000 and a maximum of one year in jail.</p><p>Committee Chairman Michael Guest, R-Miss., stated, "The committee cannot fulfill its obligations to safeguard the integrity of the House for witnesses, ignore its subpoenas, and the House cannot accept such willful disregard of its authorities. Mr. Roos and Mr. Joseph willfully failed to comply with multiple subpoenas issued by the committee."</p><p>Guest added that their actions impeded the investigative subcommittee's work related to allegations against Cherfilus-McCormick, which included potential violations of federal law.</p><p>The measure passed by voice vote, meaning individual lawmakers were not recorded on their positions. However, Democrats present indicated their support for the action against their fellow party members.</p><p>Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, D-Calif., emphasized the importance of enforcing lawful congressional processes to maintain public confidence in Congress, stating, "A witness who refuses to cooperate with the Ethics Committee hinders the thoroughness and swiftness of an investigation."</p><p>Guest accused Roos of filing inaccurate reports with the Federal Election Commission while working for Cherfilus-McCormick and noted that Joseph was involved in providing corporate funds for the congresswoman's campaign.</p><p>Joseph cited attorney-client privilege as a reason for not complying with the committee, but lawmakers argued this justification was not valid.</p><p>Cherfilus-McCormick resigned from Congress earlier this year amid pressure from both political sides, with Rep. Greg Steube, R-Fla., threatening to push for her expulsion. The DOJ has alleged that she and her co-defendants conspired to misappropriate $5 million in emergency federal funds, which were purportedly used to support her 2021 congressional campaign.</p><p>Cherfilus-McCormick has pleaded not guilty to the charges.</p>