Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) is poised to introduce a resolution on Wednesday to censure Rep. Cory Mills (R-FL), in a move that highlights growing discord within the ranks of House Republicans. The resolution, targeting Mills' committee assignments, points to previous disputes including allegations of domestic violence and questions surrounding his military service record.
The resolution, being filed as a privileged motion, compels GOP leadership to schedule a floor vote within two legislative days. This procedural requirement sets the stage for a vote by Friday. Rep. Mace, in a correspondence to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), has called for Mills' removal from his influential positions on the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees.
This development follows a failed attempt to censure Democratic Delegate Stacey Plaskett of the U.S. Virgin Islands for her interactions with the late Jeffrey Epstein during a 2019 congressional hearing. Unable to secure the necessary votes to censure Plaskett, some House Republicans expressed frustration over the perceived inconsistency in enforcing disciplinary rules within the party.
Rep. Mace's move is particularly notable as it comes in the wake of Democrats initially threatening to take reciprocal action against Mills, a threat that was eventually not pursued, as reported by The Daily Caller. In a public statement on social media platform X, Mace decried what she called "another backroom deal" that prevented Mills from being censured and referred to as "Washington" politics.
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) has also voiced her concerns regarding Mills' conduct, arguing on X that leadership's secretive deals have shielded him from accountability and stressing the need for greater transparency in Congress. She further criticized the internal dynamics of Capitol Hill, suggesting that it perpetuates a culture of self-protection.
The controversy surrounding Mills includes skepticism about his claim to a Bronze Star. Reporting by the Daytona Beach News-Journal has brought attention to service members' claims that contradict Mills' narrative of his military exploits. Additional reporting by The Blaze points to Mills being under investigation for alleged arms deals and accusations of misconduct towards women. Mills, however, has steadfastly refuted all claims of misrepresentation and misconduct.
In response to the proposed censure, Mills' office has communicated to Fox News Digital that there was no agreement in place to prevent the Plaskett censure and that Mace's resolution would follow standard House procedures. Mills has underscored his approach to censure motions, favoring further inquiry over immediate punitive action, as noted by The Hill.
With the censure resolution advancing, the forthcoming vote is expected to serve as a significant test of unity among House Republicans and the party's stance on addressing allegations against its members. Rep. Mace, who is also a gubernatorial candidate, has framed her resolution as an issue of principle and accountability within the GOP. As the situation unfolds, Mills prepares to defend his track record in the anticipated House floor debate.
