House Ethics Committee Launches Investigation into Nancy Mace Over Alleged Improper Reimbursements
Republican Representative Nancy Mace is under scrutiny by the House ethics committee following allegations that she improperly claimed more than $9,000 in reimbursements intended to subsidize housing costs for members of Congress. The investigation stems from a report by the nonpartisan Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC), which reviews ethics complaints against lawmakers.
Details of the Allegations and OCC Findings
According to the OCC report, Mace, who represents South Carolina, requested and received reimbursements that exceeded her actual Washington DC property expenses during several months in 2023 and 2024. The discrepancies amounted to an excess of $9,485.46. The OCC stated in its referral to the House ethics committee that there is "substantial reason to believe" Mace engaged in improper reimbursement practices.
Mace was participating in a federal program designed to help lawmakers cover lodging, food, and travel expenses for maintaining households both in Washington DC and their home districts. The report noted that she consistently "requested and received the maximum allowable reimbursement," and a review of invoices, utility bills, and other documents revealed inconsistencies between the amounts claimed and the actual bills.
Dispute Over Property Ownership and Financial Obligations
The OCC's finding of over $9,000 in excess reimbursements is based on the assumption that Mace was responsible for 100% of the property costs, despite her having only a 28% ownership stake in the DC property. The report highlighted that Mace did not respond to OCC inquiries and declined to be interviewed, preventing the office from confirming the extent of her financial obligations.
Mace's Response and Legal Defense
In response to the allegations, Mace's office issued a statement to Politico, accusing the OCC of being a partisan entity that "retaliates against women and ignores its own evidentiary standards." Mace herself posted on X, stating she is "not taking seriously" the ethics complaint. Her attorney, William Sullivan, disputed the claims in a letter to the House ethics panel, calling the OCC report "fundamentally flawed."
Sullivan suggested that the report may incorporate unverified assertions influenced by Mace's former fiancé, Patrick Bryant, who co-owned the property with her. Mace publicly accused Bryant and three other men of sexual misconduct during a House subcommittee hearing last February, allegations that Bryant has denied and led to a defamation suit against Mace.
Political Context and Impact on Governor Bid
Mace is not seeking reelection to the House and is instead running for the Republican nomination for governor of South Carolina, with the primary scheduled for 9 June. These allegations add further turmoil to her campaign, following previous controversies, including reports of her berating staff at Charleston International Airport, which she has denied.
The House ethics committee will now evaluate the evidence, with Sullivan expressing confidence that the committee will recognize the report's deficiencies. As the investigation unfolds, it could significantly impact Mace's political future and the broader landscape of US congressional ethics.
