Overview
- Returning from a second trip in two weeks, Rep. Nancy Mace told reporters she worked to help constituents, including about 40 pilgrims stranded in Israel, and said she does not plan another trip for now.
- Anonymous White House officials, cited by The Guardian and relayed by Raw Story, accuse Mace of trying to exploit the crisis and complicating sensitive evacuation efforts.
- Officials say Mace sought a Saudi commercial plane to move roughly 300 people and encouraged a group to relocate to Jordan, after which the State Department dispatched a plane when the group lacked onward travel.
- Mace disputes that she acted without coordination, saying she notified the State Department in advance and required limited on-the-ground assistance.
- The State Department reports 60 completed flights and assistance to about 42,000 people, as private operator Grey Bull Rescue suspended work after an extortion allegation and sources describe some empty charters and declined Greece connections.