Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick of Florida resigned from the U.S. House on Tuesday, just as the House Ethics Committee prepared to consider disciplinary recommendations stemming from a long-running investigation into alleged violations of congressional rules and campaign finance laws.

Cherfilus-McCormick, a Democrat representing a southeastern Florida district, was facing potential sanctions after investigators concluded she committed dozens of violations, according to committee findings. The inquiry, which spanned two years, included subpoenas, witness interviews, and tens of thousands of pages of documents.

In addition to the ethics probe, Cherfilus-McCormick is also facing federal criminal charges alleging she misused approximately $5 million in COVID-19 disaster relief funds. Prosecutors say the money, which was mistakenly overpaid to her family’s health care business, was later funneled into personal use and political activities, including her 2022 congressional campaign. She has pleaded not guilty.

The former congresswoman has denied wrongdoing in both the criminal and ethics cases. In a statement following her resignation, she said the process was “not a fair process.” Her attorney previously argued that she should have been allowed a full hearing with witnesses and evidence presented in her defense.

House Republicans had pushed for her expulsion, while Democrats said they preferred to allow the ethics process to conclude before taking a position. Potential disciplinary outcomes included reprimand, censure, financial penalties, or expulsion from the chamber.

Her resignation comes amid broader scrutiny of congressional conduct, following recent resignations by lawmakers during separate ethics-related inquiries. House officials noted that expulsion remains rare and requires a two-thirds vote of the chamber.

The House has expelled only a small number of members in its history, typically in cases involving criminal convictions or serious misconduct, underscoring the significance of the current proceedings surrounding Cherfilus-McCormick.