The House Ethics Committee is investigating Republican Representative Nancy Mace over allegations that she improperly claimed more than $9,000 in reimbursements intended to subsidise housing costs for members of Congress.
The nonpartisan Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) found that Mace's reimbursement requests exceeded her actual DC property expenses during several months in 2023 and 2024, resulting in an excess of $9,485.46. The OCC stated there is “substantial reason to believe” she engaged in improper reimbursement practices.
Mace was participating in a federal programme that helps subsidise lodging, food, and travel for lawmakers maintaining households in both Washington DC and their home districts. The OCC review identified discrepancies between the amounts she requested and received and the total of associated bills, based on the assumption she bore 100% of property costs despite owning only a 28% stake.
Mace declined to be interviewed for the OCC review, which her office criticised as partisan, accusing it of retaliating against women. Her attorney, William Sullivan, called the report “fundamentally flawed,” suggesting it may have been influenced by her former fiancé, who co-owned the property and faces defamation proceedings with Mace.
Mace is not seeking re-election to the House; she is running for the Republican nomination for governor of South Carolina, with the primary scheduled for 9 June. The allegations add further turmoil to her campaign following a reported incident at an airport, which she has denied.
