Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace on Monday released a list of former lawmakers on whose behalf sexual harassment settlements were paid through what she describes as a congressional 'sex slush fund.' Mace identified nine cases involving payments made after alleged misconduct by lawmakers, none of whom were charged with a crime. None of the named individuals are current members of Congress.
Details of the Settlements
In a post on X Monday afternoon, Mace disclosed the following names and payout amounts:
- $15,000 paid to a victim of Rodney Alexander in 2007
- $8,000 payment on behalf of the Office of Carolyn McCarthy in 2009
- Three separate cases involving Eric Massa in 2010, with payouts of $85,000, $20,000, and $10,000 (Massa resigned in 2010 under an 'ethics cloud')
- John Conyers: $50,000 in 2010 and $27,111.75 in 2014
- Blake Farenthold: $84,000 payout in 2014
- Patrick Meehan: $39,250 severance pay in 2017
The release follows a subpoena by Mace and other members of the US House Oversight Committee for the records.
Mace's Campaign and Broader Context
Mace, who claims to be a victim of sexual harassment, is seeking the Republican nomination for South Carolina governor. She has been at the forefront of efforts to hold colleagues accountable for sexual misconduct, alongside Representatives Anna Paulina Luna and Lauren Boebert. They have also pushed for justice for Epstein victims and called for the resignation or expulsion of accused lawmakers.
Recent cases include California Democrat Eric Swalwell, who withdrew from the gubernatorial race after a woman alleged he sexually assaulted her while she was his boss. Swalwell denied the allegations but expressed regret for 'mistakes in judgment.' Texas Republican Tony Gonzales also ended his reelection bid amid an admitted affair with a subordinate who later died by suicide.
Feud with Cory Mills
Mace introduced a resolution to expel fellow Republican Cory Mills, who responded with his own expulsion resolution against Mace. During a House hearing last week, Mace entered evidence claiming Mills falsified his military service records, accusing him of 'stolen valor.' She also referenced prior sexual misconduct allegations against Mills and claimed his wedding was officiated by an imam with alleged ties to the September 11 attacks. Mills denied the allegations, presenting his military documents as proof of his service.
