Washington — The House Ethics Committee announced Wednesday that it will conduct a wide-ranging investigation into Florida Republican Rep. Corey Mills, including whether he violated campaign finance laws, misused congressional resources, and engaged in sexual misconduct or dating violence.
Mills, now serving his second term, was too commander Last month, a judge in Florida ordered him not to contact his ex-girlfriend and not to come within 500 feet of her residence or workplace. Mills is also prohibited from tagging her on social media. The order is in effect until the end of the year, and any violation could result in a fine or imprisonment. The judge in the case said he concluded that the woman was either a victim of dating violence or at risk of becoming one.
The Ethics Committee explained that it would look into several allegations related to Mills. The committee will also examine whether he failed to properly disclose required information on statements required to be submitted to the House, violated campaign finance laws in connection with his two congressional campaigns, and whether he improperly solicited or received gifts in connection with privately sponsored official travel.
The Ethics Committee noted that the mere formation of a subcommittee of investigation does not in itself indicate that any violation has occurred.
Mills said he looks forward to working with the ethics committee.
“I think all the false accusations and things that are being said will be proven to be completely false in many ways,” Mills said from the House floor. “I have the evidence and receipts and I look forward to working with them.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina introduced a censure resolution against Mills that would remove him from the House Committee on Armed Services and the Foreign Affairs Committee.
On the House floor Wednesday, Mace laid out a series of controversies surrounding Mills, saying in her resolution that his conduct “brings disrepute to the House.”
She cited allegations that Mills misrepresented aspects of his military service and protective order.
Late Wednesday, the House of Representatives voted 310-103 to ask Mills to refer Mace’s decision to the Ethics Committee, with most Republicans and Democrats in favor.
Mace described the Ethics Committee’s announcement of the investigation as “a naked attempt to kill my decision.”
“Common sense tells us we do not need an investigative subcommittee to decide whether Corey Mills, who the court found to pose a direct and present risk of committing dating violence against a woman, should serve on national security-related committees.”