HRES-1193-119
Referred to the House Committee on Ethics.
Sponsored by Nancy Mace (R-SC)
What it does
This resolution would expel Representative Cory Mills from the United States House of Representatives. It has been referred to the House Committee on Ethics, which is the standard procedural first step for expulsion resolutions. The bill text does not specify the grounds for expulsion.
Who benefits
Constituents of Representative Mills's district who support his removal. Members of the House who believe expulsion is warranted. Any political opponents or challengers who would benefit from a vacant seat or a special election. Members of the public who believe the action that prompted the resolution was disqualifying.
Who is hurt
Representative Mills himself, who would lose his elected office. Constituents of his district who support him and would lose their chosen representative until a special election could be held. The district as a whole would temporarily lack House representation during any vacancy period. Voters who believe the expulsion process is being used inappropriately.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that the House has both the constitutional authority and the institutional responsibility to remove a member whose conduct is incompatible with continued service. They contend that expulsion is a necessary tool to preserve the integrity and public trust of the legislative body, and that the Ethics Committee referral ensures the matter will receive a thorough, procedurally fair review before any vote occurs.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that expulsion is an extraordinarily rare and severe remedy — used only five times in House history — and that removing a duly elected representative effectively disenfranchises the constituents who chose him. They contend that absent a criminal conviction or conduct of the most extreme nature, expulsion overrides the democratic will of the voters in Mills's district and sets a potentially dangerous precedent for politically motivated removal efforts.