Censuring Representative Cory Mills.

Legislative Summary: H.Res. 889 - Censuring Representative Cory Mills

Bill Number: H.Res. 889

Session: 119th Congress (1st Session)

Sponsor: Ms. Yvette Clarke (NY)

Introduced: November 18, 2025

Status: Referred to the Committee on Ethics

Overview and Purpose

The primary purpose of H.Res. 889 is to formally censure Representative Cory Mills. The resolution asserts that Representative Mills has conducted himself in a manner that reflects discredit upon the House of Representatives, citing several allegations of personal misconduct, legal issues, and the falsification of military records.

Key Allegations and Justifications

The resolution outlines several specific reasons why censure is being sought:

1. Allegations of Domestic and Dating Violence

• February 2025 Incident: The bill cites a DC Metropolitan Police Department investigation into an alleged assault of a 27-year-old woman at Representative Mills' residence. It notes that the victim had visible bruises and that an arrest warrant for misdemeanor assault was issued, though the Acting U.S. Attorney at the time declined to sign it.
• Florida Injunction: The resolution references a July 2025 report from a different former partner alleging that Mills threatened to release intimate images (revenge pornography) and harm future partners. Consequently, a Florida court issued a Final Judgment of Injunction for Protection Against Dating Violence in October 2025.

2. Financial and Ethical Misconduct

• Office of Congressional Conduct: The bill notes an August 2024 report suggesting that Representative Mills may have misrepresented information on financial disclosure statements, accepted illegal campaign contributions (personal loans not derived from his own funds), and maintained improper contracts with federal agencies.

3. Military Record Discrepancies

• The Bronze Star Controversy: The resolution alleges that Representative Mills fabricated the events that led to his 2003 Bronze Star. It cites statements from Retired Brigadier General Arnold N. Gordon-Bray, who denied signing the recommendation, as well as five former comrades-in-arms who disputed Mills' account of rescuing them under fire.

Proposed Penalties

If passed, the resolution would impose the following actions:

• Formal Censure: Representative Mills would be officially censured by the House.
• Public Reprimand: The Representative would be required to stand in the "well of the House" while the Speaker reads the resolution of censure publicly.
• Committee Removal: Representative Mills would be immediately removed from his position on the House Committee on Armed Services.

Affected Parties

• Representative Cory Mills: Would face a formal mark on his congressional record, a public shaming in the House chamber, and the loss of a key committee assignment.
• The House of Representatives: The action would serve as a formal statement on the standards of conduct expected of its members.

Procedural Status

As of November 18, 2025, the resolution has been submitted and referred to the House Committee on Ethics for review.