The House Ethics Committee has initiated a probe into Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) over accusations of improperly claiming over $9,000 in housing reimbursements. This inquiry follows a referral from the Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC), which found "substantial reason to believe" that Mace engaged in questionable reimbursement practices.

According to the OCC, Mace collected the maximum allowable amount for lodging expenses at her D.C. property over a 13-month period in 2023 and 2024, totaling $9,485.46 more than her actual expenditures. The allegations suggest a deliberate attempt to exploit the reimbursement system designed to support Congress members with their housing costs while in the capital.

Mace, who is currently in the running for governor of South Carolina, did not participate in the OCC's investigation. Her legal representative accused her ex-fiance, Patrick Bryant, of supplying the OCC with records and promoting misleading narratives about her. Bryant, who was previously accused by Mace of sexual abuse in a high-profile case last year, has not commented on the latest developments.

The timing of the report's release is critical, coming just before the pre-election period during which the Ethics Committee is restricted from initiating new investigations. The primary election for the South Carolina gubernatorial race is scheduled for June 9.

This is one of the first investigations under the new reimbursement rules implemented in April 2023, which allow lawmakers to claim expenses for meals and lodging to help manage the financial burden of maintaining two residences. These changes were introduced as a response to the stagnant congressional salaries, which have not seen an increase since the Great Recession, despite annual votes against cost-of-living adjustments due to potential political fallout.

The case against Mace highlights ongoing debates about the adequacy of support for lawmakers, who earn an annual salary of $174,000 but often face high living costs in D.C. As this investigation unfolds, it will likely fuel further discussions on the transparency and fairness of the reimbursement system recently put in place to aid members of Congress.

Katherine Tully-McManus contributed to this report.