March 5, 2026

The House on Wednesday batted down an effort from Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) to publicly release all reports on file with the House Ethics Committee on investigations into members of Congress regarding allegations of sexual harassment of staff or of a sexual relationship with a member of their staff.

In a 357-65-1 vote, the chamber moved to refer the matter to the House Ethics Committee — a move that essentially kills the effort. Thirty-eight Republicans and 27 Democrats voted against referring the resolution to the panel. Members who voted with Mace included members who have faced scrutiny over their own conduct, such as Rep. Cory Mills (R-Fla.).

 

The House overwhelmingly rejected Rep. Nancy Mace's push to publicly release all reports on investigations into members of Congress accused of sexual harassment or misconduct involving staff, with a 357-65-1 vote sending the matter back to the House Ethics Committee, effectively killing the proposal. Mace, who has shared her own experiences with sexual assault, sought transparency following allegations against Rep. Tony Gonzales, whose staffer tragically died after setting herself on fire. Emphasizing that Congress has long hidden such abuses, Mace argued the resolution was necessary to protect staff and hold members accountable, framing opposition as shielding cover-ups rather than victims.

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