House Ethics Committee launches investigation into Nancy Mace’s reimbursement earnings
WASHINGTON (WCIV) — A newly released report from the Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) shows its board unanimously voted in November that there is “substantial reason to believe” that Rep. Nancy Mace improperly collected thousands of dollars in lodging reimbursements, prompting the House Ethics Committee to launch an investigation into the matter.
The referral, approved 6–0 on Nov. 18, alleges Mace received reimbursement payments that exceeded her actual housing expenses under the House’s lodging program, according to the OCC report.
The investigation reports that Mace claimed the maximum allowable amount for more than a year and ultimately collected $9,485.46 above her documented costs, according to the referral.
READ MORE: House Ethics Committee reviews allegations against Rep. Mace
Mace did not participate in the OCC review but rejected their conclusions, accusing the office of partisanship and alleging it “retaliates against women and ignores its own evidentiary standards,” in a written statement submitted by her attorney.
The statement accuses her former fiancé, Patrick Bryant, whom she notably accused of sexual harassment in a House subcommittee hearing, of supplying records and offering “false narratives and spurious characterizations” to investigators, according to the filing.
The policy, enacted in April 2023, created the first system for House members to seek repayment for meals and lodging from their office accounts. The change aimed to offset the expense of maintaining dual residences.
Mace’s case is among the first ethics inquiries to examine potential violations under the updated guidelines.
