Nancy Mace: Exposing a Culture of Silence in Congress
Published March 20, 2026 – The House Ethics Committee is actively concealing records of sexual harassment perpetrated by members of Congress. These aren’t just allegations; they are documented cases of unwanted advances, assault, and misconduct. Victims bravely came forward, shared their truths, only to be met with silence. Perpetrators, abusing their power, continued to collect taxpayer-funded salaries, all while their constituents remained unaware.
A Fight for Transparency, Met with Resistance
I spearheaded an effort to change this. We demanded a floor vote to compel the Ethics Committee to release all records pertaining to sexual harassment and misconduct investigations within 60 days. Crucially, all personally identifying information of victims and witnesses would have been fully protected and redacted. The goal was simple: transparency and accountability. Yet, Washington responded as it often does – by protecting its own.
Both Republicans and Democrats united to kill the vote. This wasn’t a partisan issue; it was a demonstration of the establishment safeguarding its secrets. This act prioritized self-preservation over the well-being of those harmed.
The Case of Representative Tony Gonzales and a Systemic Problem
This fight gained momentum following the public release of sexually explicit and harassing text messages sent by Representative Tony Gonzales to a staffer, Regina Santos-Aviles. We called for his resignation, and we meant it. However, this case is merely a symptom of a much larger, deeply rooted problem. It’s about a young woman who tragically lost her life. Gonzales will move on, but she won’t.
He is not an isolated incident. He represents a long line of powerful individuals in Congress who have preyed on employees and Hill staff, shielded by a system designed to protect victims but consistently functioning to protect the abusers. How many more names are hidden within those files? How many more stories are buried alongside the cases they reported?
Demanding Accountability and Protecting Hill Employees
Hill employees deserve a safe work environment, free from harassment. Women deserve to be safe. And the American people deserve to know when their representatives are abusing their power. Each of the 357 Members who voted against this resolution voted for a cover-up. Some may claim they were protecting victims, but don’t be misled. Our resolution explicitly protected victim and witness information. They were protecting themselves and their colleagues – the predators.
Remember this when they seek your vote. Furthermore, any Member who cast that vote lacks the credibility to speak about the victims of Jeffrey Epstein. You cannot conceal your colleague’s misconduct and then claim to care about other victims. Choose a side: you either support survivors, or you don’t. You’re either with us, or against us.
A Victory for Transparency and Continued Pursuit of Justice
To the 65 Members who voted for my resolution: you stood on the right side of history. Your courage will not be forgotten. The rest have some serious explaining to do. This is the establishment in action – protecting itself at the expense of the victims. The victims deserved better, and the people deserve better.
Our efforts didn’t stop there. The House Oversight Committee passed our motion to subpoena the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights, demanding the release of every taxpayer-funded misconduct settlement paid on behalf of Members of Congress. Every Member who used your money to silence their victims will be exposed. We will ensure it. We will not let this go, and neither should you.
I am Nancy Mace, a Republican House representative from South Carolina’s 1st Congressional District. This is a fight for transparency, accountability, and justice.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own.
