In a recent development that has sparked tension within the Republican party, South Carolina GOP Representative Nancy Mace has taken a bold step towards holding her fellow party members accountable.
On Wednesday, she presented a privileged resolution aimed at formally censuring Florida GOP Representative Cory Mills. The resolution also seeks to strip him of his influential positions on the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees.
According to One America News, the resolution, which necessitates a vote within two legislative days, charges Mills with a "disturbing pattern" of alleged misconduct. This includes accusations of stolen valor, physical assault, harassment, and the procurement of nearly $1 million in federal arms contracts through his own companies while serving in Congress.
Mace, in a statement, expressed her concerns, saying, "A Member of Congress accused of assaulting women, profiting off federal contracts from his seat, and inflating or falsifying his service record has no business anywhere near national-security committees. This isnt about partisan politics, its about protecting the integrity of this institution and the safety of women." She further emphasized the gravity of the allegations, stating, "These allegations are far too serious to ignore."
In response, Mills' office has staunchly defended his innocence. A statement from the Florida congressman's office reads, "He vehemently denies any wrongdoing whatsoever, and is confident any investigation will clear this matter quickly."
This move by Mace follows a day of widespread Republican outrage over what some GOP members have termed a "back-room agreement." Democrats appeared to retract threatened action against Mills after Republicans failed to advance on censuring Delegate Stacey Plaskett (D-V.I.). Some Republicans interpret this as an attempt to shield Mills in order to preserve the party's slim majority.
The controversy surrounding Plaskett arose from newly released documents from Jeffrey Epsteins estate. These documents revealed that Plaskett had exchanged real-time text messages with Epstein, a convicted child sex trafficker and her constituent, during a 2019 House Oversight Committee hearing.
She was accused of "inappropriate coordination" with Epstein that "reflects discreditably on the House."
However, the resolution to censure Plaskett and remove her from the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence failed to pass, with a vote of 209214. Three Republicans, alongside all Democrats, voted "no," with three others voting "present."
Florida GOP Representative Luna questioned the integrity of the House leadership on both sides, accusing them of "cutting back-end deals to cover up public corruption in the House of Representatives."
While Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) has referred to Mills as a "faithful colleague," he has yet to comment publicly on the issue. Mace, however, has written to him, urging for Mills' immediate removal from the committees.
Mace's letter to Speaker Johnson read, "We write with grave concern regarding the fitness of one of our colleagues, Mr. Cory Mills of Floridas 7th Congressional district, to serve on the Committee on Armed Services and the Committee on Foreign Affairs. The severity of these allegations, when combined with the national-security implications and the credibility required for service on these committees, leaves no room for hesitation We cannot afford to look the other way."
Mace further pledged her support for the alleged victims, stating, "I will not sit quietly while women come forward with credible accusations of abuse. Survivors deserve a voice, and they have one in me."
Mills, a two-term Army veteran and Republican first elected in 2022, has consistently denied all allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated attacks. He stated, "These claims are false and misrepresent the nature of my interaction. I have always conducted myself with integrity, both personally and in service to Floridas 7th District."
The House is expected to vote on the privileged resolution by November 21, in line with the two-legislative-day rule. However, it could potentially take place earlier if prioritized on the floor schedule. While censure is largely symbolic, removal from committees would significantly reduce Mills' influence on national security policy.
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