Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) is facing scrutiny from the House Ethics Committee after a referral raised questions about her reimbursement requests for housing expenses in Washington, D.C.

In a statement released Monday, the bipartisan Ethics Committee confirmed it is reviewing allegations that Mace may have violated House rules through what the Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC) described as “improper reimbursement practices.” The OCC, an independent body that examines misconduct complaints against members of Congress, concluded there is “substantial reason to believe” further investigation is warranted.

At the center of the inquiry are reimbursement claims tied to Mace’s D.C. residence. According to the OCC report, her requests for repayment during several months in 2023 and 2024 exceeded the total cost of her property expenses. The report cites an alleged overage of approximately $9,485.

The Ethics Committee emphasized that opening a review does not mean wrongdoing has occurred. “The mere fact of conducting further review… does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred,” the committee said, noting that such disclosures are required under House rules.

Prior Questions About Expenses

The issue of Mace’s housing reimbursements surfaced publicly last year after reporting revealed she had expensed tens of thousands of dollars for lodging in 2023. Congressional data showed she claimed $27,817 that year, averaging more than $2,300 per month, including several months topping $3,000.

Mace co-owns a Capitol Hill townhouse purchased in 2021 with her then-fiancé. At the time, she defended her reimbursement claims, stating she had incurred over $100,000 in lodging expenses and received roughly $29,000 in reimbursements after taxes.

She argued that the system itself was flawed and suggested her financial situation was being mischaracterized.

Mace Pushes Back

In response to news of the ethics review, Mace took to social media, dismissing the complaint and accusing critics of applying double standards. She contrasted her situation with what she described as more serious allegations against other lawmakers that she claims have drawn less attention.

The South Carolina Republican has frequently positioned herself as an outspoken critic of misconduct within Washington, and her response signals she intends to fight the allegations publicly as well as through official channels.

What Happens Next?

The Ethics Committee’s review could take months, depending on the complexity of the case. Lawmakers found to have violated House rules can face penalties ranging from reprimand to fines or other sanctions, though many investigations conclude without formal discipline.

For now, the investigation remains in its early stages. Whether it results in formal charges — or clears Mace of wrongdoing — will depend on what the committee uncovers as it digs deeper into her reimbursement records.

As scrutiny intensifies, the case adds another layer of political tension in an already divided Congress.