Florida Republican Defies Resignation Calls, Says Speaker Johnson Urged Him to Stay Despite Ethics Probe
Rep. Cory Mills of Florida has declared his intention to remain in Congress despite facing investigation by the House Ethics Committee, citing a lack of criminal charges and pointing to Speaker Mike Johnson's counsel to stay.
Mills rejected comparisons to other lawmakers who departed their seats under ethics scrutiny, arguing that his situation differs fundamentally from cases involving sexual misconduct allegations or federal convictions.
Mills Defends His Position
In remarks to media outlets, Mills challenged critics to identify any criminal or civil charges against him. He referenced a restraining order issued by a state judge that prohibits contact with an ex-partner, but characterized it as a procedural matter no different from restrictions affecting other members of Congress.
"I had a social media injunction," Mills stated, questioning why such orders should automatically trigger resignations. He noted that numerous congressional members contend with similar legal restrictions without facing pressure to vacate their positions.
Historical Precedent and Expulsion Standards
Mills highlighted the historical rarity of congressional expulsion, noting that only three members have been removed through this process. He cited expulsions tied to Confederate sympathies during the Civil War era, two convictions for federal felonies, and the case of George Santos, who underwent an ethics investigation.
"So what is the actual precedence?" Mills asked, suggesting that critics lack clarity on the threshold for removal. "If you're gonna actually ask the question, you should actually know the answer."
Investigation Scope
The House Ethics Committee is examining multiple allegations against Mills, including:
- Failure to disclose required information on House statements
- Campaign finance law violations
- Improper solicitation or receipt of gifts
- Allegations of sexual misconduct and dating violence
- Misuse of congressional resources or status
Mills categorically denies all allegations and contends he has committed no wrongdoing.
Speaker Johnson's Stance
Speaker Mike Johnson has not called for Mills's resignation, telling CNN that the congressman deserves the same procedural protections as other members facing ethics allegations. "Cory Mills is going through the same due process that was afforded to Cherfilus-McCormick and anyone else who has allegations made against them," Johnson stated. "He is in the middle of an Ethics Committee process."
Mills indicated during a CNN appearance that Johnson explicitly advised him against resigning, framing the ethics investigation as a standard institutional process.
Context: Recent Resignations
Mills's defiance contrasts with Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a Florida Democrat, who announced her resignation on Tuesday following an Ethics Committee determination that she had violated 25 House ethics rules. The committee found that Cherfilus-McCormick improperly diverted Covid relief funds to support her congressional campaign.
Mills also referenced the departures of Reps. Eric Swalwell of California and Tony Gonzales, both of whom resigned after the Ethics Committee initiated investigations into sexual misconduct allegations involving staffers and members of Congress.
Some congressional colleagues, including certain Republicans, have advocated for Mills's expulsion, which would require approval from two-thirds of the House membership.