Florida Congressman Defies Calls for Resignation Amid Ethics Probe
WASHINGTON – Republican Rep. Cory Mills of Florida firmly stated on Tuesday that he has no plans to resign, despite an ongoing House Ethics Committee investigation and bipartisan pressure to step down. Mills emphasized his commitment to running for re-election, asserting his determination in conversations with reporters at the Capitol.
In response to the ethics investigation that began in November, Mills indicated that he has already submitted the necessary documentation. However, he expressed uncertainty about whether the commission is close to concluding its inquiry. “Everything they asked us to do, we have complied,” he stated. He insisted that the investigation should be allowed to proceed without interference, expressing eagerness to see the results.
The Ethics Committee is examining allegations of sexual misconduct and dating violence, as well as potential violations related to Mills’s campaign finances. Mills has categorically denied any wrongdoing in connection to these claims.
As Mills stands his ground, some lawmakers are seeking immediate action. Republican Rep. Nancy Mace from South Carolina introduced a resolution on Monday aimed at expelling Mills from Congress. Mace criticized the status quo, claiming, “The swamp has protected Corey Mills for far too long, and we are done leaving it alone.”
Interestingly, Mace herself is under investigation for allegedly charging excessive expenses to the council for housing. Her office previously remarked to Politico that she does not take ethics complaints seriously, raising questions about the motives behind her resolution.
In the past week, three other House members have resigned amid various allegations of misconduct, all of whom, like Mills, faced the threat of expulsion votes. This trend highlights the intensifying scrutiny Congress is under concerning ethics and accountability.
In a related development, Rep. Sheila Chafferas McCormick recently resigned after being charged with misappropriating millions in federal relief funds, some of which she allegedly used for her congressional campaigns. The House Ethics Committee has already identified 25 violations against her, which she disputes in a pending federal lawsuit.
Former Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Tony Gonzalez (R-Texas) also resigned last week, both facing ethics investigations. Swalwell faced allegations of sexual assault from former staffers, significantly impacting California’s gubernatorial race. He has denied these allegations. Meanwhile, Gonzalez admitted to a past romantic relationship with a deceased staff member and is also under investigation for inappropriate conduct.
