House Votes 357-65 to Block Public Release of Misconduct Reports
The House voted Wednesday to reject the Nancy Mace resolution seeking disclosure of misconduct investigations. Lawmakers instead referred the proposal to the House Ethics Committee.
In a 357-65-1 vote, the chamber chose a procedural step ending the effort for now. However, 38 Republicans and 27 Democrats opposed the referral.
Nancy Mace Resolution Seeks Transparency
The Nancy Mace resolution required the Ethics Committee to release investigation records within 60 days. These included reports, draft findings, recommendations, and related materials.
However, the proposal required redaction of personally identifiable information of victims. Mace described the effort as a move to increase transparency.
Debate Over Nancy Mace Resolution
Mace argued Congress had hidden misconduct cases for too long. She said staff deserve safe workplaces and voters deserve accountability.
Additionally, Mace warned that lawmakers opposing the measure were protecting a cover-up. She insisted Congress must reveal cases handled by the Ethics Committee.
Ethics Committee Responds to Proposal
The Ethics Committee announced an investigation into allegations against Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX). The announcement came one day after his Texas primary election.
However, House rules limit committee actions within 60 days of an election. Therefore, the investigation faces procedural restrictions.
Concerns Over Impact on Investigations
Before the vote, the Ethics Committee opposed the Nancy Mace resolution. The panel warned it could harm ongoing investigations.
Additionally, the committee said public disclosure could reduce victim cooperation. Officials argued the proposal might weaken efforts to address misconduct.
Additional Transparency Efforts
Mace also pushed for transparency during a House Oversight Committee hearing. She advanced a motion to subpoena records from the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights.
The subpoena targeted settlements involving members of Congress before December 2018. However, disclosure limits were added through an amendment by Rep. Robert Garcia.
