Two U.S. Representatives, Nancy Mace and Cory Mills, have found themselves embroiled in a heated disagreement over a failed censure vote targeting Democratic Rep. Ilhan Omar. Mace accused Mills of opposing the measure, which aimed to punish Omar for her remarks about conservative political activist Charlie Kirk. The failed effort led to more squabbling among the two Republicans. Mace criticized Mills for voting against the measure, which fell short of passing, asserting that he had exaggerated his military record. Mills, however, defended his voting stance on First Amendment grounds, stating that he was a constitutionalist and that the vote represented his commitment to constitutional protections. The failed censure vote has ended efforts to strip Omar of her committee assignments, with Democrats rallying to support her. The dispute highlights tensions within the Republican Party as Mace, running for governor of South Carolina, continues to face challenges with members of her own party.
As the debate over the censure vote unfolded, Mace made a series of social media posts criticizing Mills, calling attention to previous reports alleging that the Florida lawmaker had exaggerated his war record. Mace suggested that Mills should be removed from his position on the House Armed Services Committee for lying about his Army service. “Cory Mills never spent over 30 years in the Iraq War or Middle East fighting terrorists,” Mace wrote. “This guy definitely has a screw loose and shouldn’t be on Foreign Affairs or the House Armed Services Committee.” Mills responded on social media with a handful of posts defending his military service and past statements, even posting a letter signed by a fellow service member from his time in Iraq to respond to attacks that have been leveled previously against the Florida lawmaker. The letter goes on to defend Mills’ statements that he had been “blown up” on two missions in Iraq, incidents that Mace has specifically questioned.
The letter, which was signed by a fellow service member from Mills’ time in Iraq, details that Team-21 was attacked by insurgents with improvised explosive devices (IEDs and EFPs), and that Mills was present for two of these attacks. The letter emphasizes that the term “blown up” in military contractor terms refers to being in a motorcade struck by IEDs and does not necessarily mean physical injury. The letter attempts to clarify that Mills’ statements about being “blown up” were based on the definition used within the military industry, rather than a literal interpretation. Mace dismissed his responses in follow-up posts, stating that Mills’ replies didn’t provide any proof or clarity. “This post doesn’t say or prove anything,” Mace replied on social media. “This is what he does. Blows hot air hoping no one will notice. And you’re not allowed to question all of his many lies.”
The failed censure vote and the ensuing political battle between Mace and Mills reflect the broader tensions within the Republican Party. As Mace continues her campaign for governor of South Carolina, the feud with Mills highlights the personal and political conflicts that can arise within party ranks. The dispute also underscores the importance of military service and credibility in political discourse, particularly when it comes to accusations of exaggeration or dishonesty. The ongoing conflict between these two Republicans serves as a microcosm of the larger ideological and personal battles within the party, with both sides vying for influence and credibility.