The House Ethics Committee has officially launched a formal investigation into Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC). The probe follows a scathing report from the Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) alleging she improperly profited from a taxpayer-funded reimbursement program.

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The Allegations: “Over-Reporting” Expenses

The investigation focuses on Mace’s claims for lodging expenses in Washington, D.C., between 2023 and 2024.

• The Findings: The OCC found “substantial reason” to believe Mace claimed $9,485.46 more than her actual out-of-pocket costs for a townhouse she co-owned.
• The Policy: House rules allow members to be reimbursed for the actual cost of utilities and maintenance, but they cannot pocket a profit. The OCC alleges Mace’s requests frequently exceeded the total of the bills she provided.
• The Conflict: The report notes that Mace refused to cooperate with the initial inquiry, leading to the matter being referred to the full Ethics Committee.

The Defense: “A Political Hit Job”

Rep. Mace has not taken the allegations lying down, launching a “scorched earth” counter-offensive.

“This is nothing more than a personal vendetta and a political hit job based on fictitious documents provided by a disgruntled ex-fiancé.” — Nancy Mace’s Legal Team

Mace’s defense rests on three main pillars:

1. Attacking the Source: She claims the investigation was sparked by her former fiancé, whom she accuses of financial misconduct and providing false records to the OCC.
2. The Net Loss: Her team argues she spent over $100,000 on housing while only receiving roughly $29,000 in reimbursements, claiming she actually “lost money” on the arrangement.
3. Timing: Mace suggests the probe is intended to sabotage her 2026 South Carolina gubernatorial campaign.

Current Status

While the Ethics Committee reviews the evidence, the political stakes are high. Mace is currently campaigning for Governor while simultaneously demanding the release of Ethics reports on other members of Congress—a move critics call a distraction and supporters call transparency.