Top GOP Rep. Under House Probe for $9K in Questionable Expenses

Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace is facing a House ethics investigation over allegations that she may have improperly claimed more than $9,000 in reimbursements meant to subsidize housing costs for members of Congress.

According to a report from the nonpartisan Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC), which reviews ethics complaints against lawmakers, the South Carolina representative's requests for reimbursement had exceeded the total of her DC property expenses during several months in 2023 and 2024, "amounting to an excess of $9,485.46."

The OCC report found that Mace's "reimbursement requests were inconsistent with House rules and regulations regarding the use of official funds for housing expenses," raising concerns about potential misuse of taxpayer money.

Mace, who is serving her second term in Congress, has disputed the allegations, claiming that the discrepancies were due to "administrative errors" and that she has since repaid the excess funds. However, the House Ethics Committee has opened a formal investigation into the matter, indicating that the concerns raised by the OCC warrant further scrutiny.

The investigation into Mace's expense reimbursement practices comes at a sensitive time for the Republican Party, as they navigate a narrow majority in the House of Representatives. Any ethical missteps by members could potentially undermine the party's agenda and public trust.

"Maintaining the public's trust in Congress is of the utmost importance," said Ethics Committee Chair Theodore Deutch. "We will thoroughly examine the facts and circumstances surrounding the allegations against Representative Mace to ensure that House rules and regulations are being properly followed."

The investigation is likely to draw significant media attention and could have broader implications for Mace's political future, as well as the overall reputation of the Republican Party in the House. As the probe unfolds, observers will be closely watching how Mace and her party respond to the allegations and whether any further accountability measures are taken.