South Carolina Congresswoman Introduces Bill to Ban Race-Based Caucuses in House

Washington — Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina has filed legislation that would prohibit the creation of congressional caucuses organized by race, ethnicity, or national origin, a move that could effectively dismantle several influential Democratic-affiliated groups if enacted.

The resolution, introduced Thursday, would force the dissolution of organizations including the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, and the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus. These groups have long operated as key pillars of Democratic influence within the House.

Mace, a Republican who will leave Congress in January after opting against a bid for the Senate seat formerly held by Lindsey Graham, argued the caucuses represent institutional segregation rather than diversity efforts.

"Race-based caucuses are not diversity. They are federally sanctioned segregation," Mace said in a statement. "You do not get to lecture America about inclusion while running an organization which checks your skin color at the door. The hypocrisy ends now."

She added that the measure aims to "end taxpayer-funded discrimination in this institution."

The proposal could extend beyond Democratic-aligned groups. Republican-affiliated organizations such as the Black Republican Congressional Staff Association, the GOP Latino Staff Association, and the Republican Asian American Staff Association could also be affected under the language of the resolution.

The timing of the legislation coincides with significant demographic shifts in the House following Republican-led redistricting in several Southern states. Those efforts have reduced the size of the Congressional Black Caucus by eliminating or reshaping multiple districts previously represented by its members.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York, who would become the first Black speaker if Democrats reclaim the chamber's majority in November, counts himself among the Congressional Black Caucus membership.

The resolution faces considerable obstacles in the Republican-controlled House. While the chamber's GOP majority theoretically provides a pathway for consideration, the measure would likely encounter uniform Democratic opposition and resistance from some Republicans who participate in or support cross-party caucus activities.

Mace's office has not indicated whether she intends to push for a formal floor vote before her departure from Congress.

The South Carolina Republican has spent her final months in office pursuing an aggressive agenda against diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, frequently introducing legislation targeting various aspects of federal diversity programs and transgender participation in women's sports.

Her recent political activity includes endorsing Representative Ralph Norman in the crowded Republican Senate primary in South Carolina, rather than supporting former President Donald Trump's preferred candidate.