Nancy Mace under House ethics investigation for allegedly overcharging Congress, but she blames a ‘flawed’ repor

Representative Nancy Mace is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee over allegations that she overcharged Congress for housing costs. The inquiry follows a newly published report that raised questions about how she sought reimbursements.

The allegations were detailed by CNN, which cited findings from the Office of Congressional Conduct. That report alleges Mace sought and received about $9,500 more than her actual Washington, DC housing expenses.

The watchdog said there is “substantial reason to believe” Mace engaged in improper reimbursement practices. The report also noted that Mace did not respond to its inquiries while it was compiling its findings.

The watchdog report alleges improper reimbursements

The allegations center on a housing reimbursement program for members of Congress that is intended to cover costs tied to maintaining a presence in Washington while representing a district back home. The program can include lodging, food, and travel, and it has drawn scrutiny because it does not require highly detailed expense reporting. It comes as Trump silence on troop deaths continues to fuel broader debate over accountability in Washington.

GOP Rep. Nancy Mace is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee for allegedly attempting to profit off of a congressional program intended to defray housing costs for lawmakers’ Washington, DC, residences — a claim she has denied. https://t.co/Ki8AKSOVBo pic.twitter.com/1e3Pc0EUup

— CNN (@CNN) March 3, 2026

In its report, the Office of Congressional Conduct said Mace allegedly sought and received reimbursements that exceeded what her housing expenses actually cost. The panel described its findings as substantial enough to warrant further review, prompting the House Ethics Committee to open an investigation.

Mace has disputed the report through her attorney, William Sullivan, who sent a letter to the ethics panel challenging the findings. Sullivan called the report “fundamentally flawed” and argued it does not accurately reflect the underlying circumstances related to the housing arrangement. He also suggested the report’s narrative may have been influenced by Mace’s former fiancé, who he said co-owned the home with her.

The investigation also lands at a key moment in Mace’s political timeline. She is not seeking reelection to the House and is instead running in what is expected to be a competitive GOP primary to become South Carolina’s next governor. That campaign is unfolding as Education tribute stirs chaos drives other political headlines nationwide.

For now, the ethics inquiry is expected to proceed under the committee’s usual process. The Office of Congressional Conduct report and Mace’s rebuttal will remain central as the panel reviews the allegations and determines next steps.

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