Washington, D.C. – The Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) has released a report, Review No. 24-2323, detailing allegations of ethical misconduct by Representative Cory Mills (R-FL). The report, adopted by a vote of no less than four members on August 23, 2024, and submitted to the House Committee on Ethics, outlines multiple potential violations of House rules, standards of conduct, and federal law by Rep. Mills. The findings, marked as confidential but subject to the nondisclosure provisions of H. Res. 895 of the 110th Congress as amended, highlight concerns over financial disclosure discrepancies, improper campaign contributions, and potential conflicts of interest involving federal agencies.
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Allegations of Financial Disclosure Violations
The OCE report alleges that Rep. Mills may have omitted or misrepresented required information in his financial disclosure statements. Under House rules, members are obligated to provide accurate and complete financial disclosures to ensure transparency and prevent conflicts of interest. The Board of the OCE found “substantial reason to believe” that Rep. Mills failed to meet these standards, potentially violating federal law and House regulations. The report recommends that the Committee further review these allegations to determine the extent of the discrepancies and whether they warrant disciplinary action.
The vote on this allegation was unanimous, with five members voting in the affirmative and none abstaining, signaling strong consensus among the Board regarding the severity of the issue.
Improper Campaign Contributions
A second major allegation concerns Rep. Mills’ campaign committee, which the OCE believes may have accepted excessive contributions in the form of personal loans and contributions that were not derived from his personal funds. House rules strictly regulate campaign financing, prohibiting contributions that exceed federal limits or come from impermissible sources. If Rep. Mills’ campaign committee accepted personal loans and contributions that violated these limits, it could constitute a breach of both House rules and federal law.
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Additionally, the report raises concerns about a contribution that was not lawfully made under the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971. The OCE found that Rep. Mills’ campaign committee may have received credit not extended in the ordinary course of business, which, if true, would represent an impermissible in-kind contribution. The Board voted 4-0 in favor of further review, with no abstentions, underscoring the need for a deeper investigation into the campaign’s financial practices.
Contracts with Federal Agencies
The OCE also investigated whether Rep. Mills entered into, enjoyed, or held contracts with federal agencies while serving as a Member of Congress, which would violate House rules and federal law. The report notes that if Rep. Mills or his campaign committee accepted in-kind contributions in the form of credit for services not extended in the ordinary course of business, this could constitute a prohibited arrangement. The Board unanimously voted 5-0 to recommend further review of this allegation, citing substantial reason to believe that such contracts may have existed.
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Potential Conflicts of Interest
Another significant concern raised in the report involves Rep. Mills’ campaign committee accepting credit for services that were not extended in the ordinary course of business. The OCE found that if these services were provided to the campaign committee in violation of House rules, they could represent an impermissible in-kind contribution. This issue is compounded by the possibility that Rep. Mills’ actions may have violated standards of conduct, further eroding public trust in his adherence to ethical guidelines. The Board voted 5-0 in favor of further review, with no abstentions.
Recommendations and Committee Action
The OCE Board has recommended that the House Committee on Ethics conduct a thorough investigation into each of the allegations against Rep. Mills. Specifically, the Board urges the Committee to:
Review Financial Disclosures: Investigate whether Rep. Mills omitted or misrepresented required information in his financial disclosure statements, potentially violating House rules and federal law.
Examine Campaign Contributions: Determine if Rep. Mills’ campaign committee accepted excessive contributions, personal loans, or contributions not derived from his personal funds, as well as contributions that were not lawfully made under federal election law.
Investigate Federal Contracts: Assess whether Rep. Mills entered into or held contracts with federal agencies while serving as a Member of Congress, which would violate House rules.
Evaluate Standards of Conduct: Determine if Rep. Mills’ actions, including accepting impermissible in-kind contributions, violated House standards of conduct.
The report concludes with a unanimous recommendation to dismiss the allegation concerning federal contracts, as the Board found no substantial reason to believe that Rep. Mills’ campaign committee accepted in-kind contributions in the form of credit not extended in the ordinary course of business. However, the other allegations remain under scrutiny, with the Board emphasizing the need for further investigation to ensure accountability and uphold ethical standards in Congress.
Background on Rep. Cory Mills
Rep. Cory Mills, a Republican from Florida, was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2022. A decorated Army veteran and businessman, Mills has positioned himself as a staunch conservative, focusing on issues such as national security, veterans’ affairs, and economic growth. However, these allegations cast a shadow over his tenure, raising questions about his compliance with ethical standards and his fitness to serve.
Implications for Rep. Mills and Congress
The OCE’s findings could have significant repercussions for Rep. Mills, potentially leading to sanctions, fines, or other disciplinary actions if the House Committee on Ethics substantiates the allegations. Beyond the immediate impact on Mills, the report underscores broader concerns about transparency and accountability in Congress. Financial disclosure violations and improper campaign contributions erode public trust in elected officials, highlighting the need for robust oversight and enforcement of ethical standards.
As the House Committee on Ethics prepares to review the OCE’s recommendations, all eyes will be on Rep. Mills and the Committee’s response. The outcome of this investigation could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, reinforcing the importance of ethical conduct among members of Congress.
The report was prepared by OCE staff, including Omar S. Ashmawy, Staff Director and Chief Counsel, and was submitted to the Committee on Ethics for further action. As the investigation unfolds, Rep. Mills will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations and present his case, but the OCE’s findings have already sparked a critical conversation about ethics in government.
