Nancy Mace Escalates Campaign Against Cory Mills Over Valor Claims

Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace has intensified her campaign against fellow GOP member Cory Mills, accusing him of 'stolen valor' and misconduct. This ongoing effort includes allegations regarding Mills' military record and various investigations into his conduct. Mace plans to introduce a resolution for Mills' expulsion, arguing that his presence undermines accountability. Mills, however, defends his record and claims the accusations are politically motivated. As the situation unfolds, the implications for both lawmakers and the House remain significant.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 29, 2026, 23:55 IST

Mace's Accusations Against Mills

Republican Congresswoman Nancy Mace from South Carolina has ramped up her efforts against fellow GOP member Cory Mills, submitting various documents to the congressional record that accuse him of 'stolen valor' and other misconduct. This initiative is part of her ongoing campaign since 2025 to either censure or expel Mills from the House, citing what she claims is 'overwhelming' evidence. Mills has refuted these allegations, defending his military service and labeling Mace's actions as politically motivated and premature.

Allegations of Stolen Valor

What Are the Stolen Valor Allegations?

The controversy centers on Mills’ Bronze Star, which he received in 2021 for his actions in Iraq in 2003. Mace has referenced reports from five individuals who served alongside Mills, disputing his narrative regarding the events that led to the award. Two soldiers mentioned in the documentation claimed Mills was not present during the incident. Private First Class Joe Heit stated, 'He didn’t save my life. I don’t recall him being there either.' Retired Brigadier General Arnold Gordon-Bray, who approved the award recommendation, mentioned that he signed the documents as part of a broader administrative procedure without verifying the specific achievements listed.

Further claims about Mills’ military service, including alleged time spent in the Army’s 75th Ranger Regiment and attendance at Army Sniper School, have been reported as unverified by military records reviewed by various media outlets. Mace has characterized these inconsistencies as 'stolen valor,' a term used for false or exaggerated military service claims. Mills has countered, asserting, 'Cory Mills earned his Bronze Star, and the paperwork supports it,' according to his chief of staff. Mills emphasized that service members do not draft their own award recommendations, which undergo formal review and approval processes.

Additional Allegations Against Mills

What Other Allegations Is Cory Mills Facing?

In addition to the military record controversy, Mills is under scrutiny for various investigations and allegations that Mace has highlighted in her push for expulsion. In 2024, the Office of Congressional Ethics referred allegations concerning campaign finance and financial disclosures to the House Ethics Committee, which later expanded its review, clarifying that the referral did not imply wrongdoing.

In February 2025, law enforcement initiated an investigation into Mills regarding an alleged physical assault at his residence in Washington, D.C. No charges were filed, and Mills has denied these claims. Subsequently, a Florida judge issued a restraining order related to a dating violence complaint from a former girlfriend, who accused him of harassment and threats involving explicit content. Furthermore, the House Ethics Committee has launched a comprehensive investigation into Mills’ conduct, looking into campaign finance issues, misuse of congressional resources, improper gifts, and allegations of sexual misconduct or dating violence.

Future Actions

What Happens Next?

Mace has revealed her intention to propose a resolution to expel Mills, arguing that his continued presence in Congress undermines accountability. 'The swamp has protected Cory Mills for far too long, and we are done letting it slide,' Mace stated, emphasizing that the matter is about 'right and wrong.' According to the US Constitution, expelling a House member necessitates a two-thirds majority, a notably high bar that usually requires bipartisan support.

House leadership has indicated that it may wait for the Ethics Committee to conclude its investigation before considering any expulsion, citing the importance of due process and precedent. Mills has dismissed the expulsion effort as premature, stating, 'I personally think that you should allow due process,' and warned that lowering the threshold could create a dangerous precedent. He also characterized Mace's actions as 'political theatrics' and suggested that she lacks the necessary votes for success.