The bipartisan US House Ethics Committee has recommended that US Representative Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) be censured. The committee found that Edwards violated House Rules by failing to adhere to the spirit of rules prohibiting sexual harassment of and unwanted advances to House staffers.
The probe into Edwards was launched on May 14 following allegations of sexual harassment and the creation of a 'hostile work environment.' In its findings, the committee stated that Edwards's conduct with two young staff members was 'highly unprofessional.'
The committee concluded that Edwards violated the Code of Official Conduct by failing to act in a manner that reflects creditably upon the House. Axios reported that Edwards singled out two female staffers in their 20s for special attention that multiple sources described as inappropriate.
Next steps and response
The US House Ethics Committee intends to bring a privileged resolution for consideration and vote by the full House. While the committee can recommend penalties, it has no authority to punish members directly. A censure of Edwards by the full House requires a simple majority.
The accusations were 'horseshit'.
— Chuck Edwards, telling The Assembly in May
Edwards denied any wrongdoing regarding the allegations of misconduct. Speaking to Axios, Edwards said he would 'welcome any investigation.'
Updates
Representative Chuck Edwards announced early Wednesday that he is withdrawing from his re-election campaign but will complete his current term ending in January. The House Ethics Committee report detailed a pattern of unprofessional conduct involving lavish gifts and inappropriate comments toward two female staffers, though it found no evidence of sexual activity or explicit propositions. While Edwards acknowledged some of his behavior could be viewed as inappropriate, the committee noted he had not taken responsibility for the harm caused.
Representative Chuck Edwards announced early Wednesday morning that he is withdrawing from his re-election campaign, though he intends to complete his current term ending in January. The Ethics Committee report further detailed that his unprofessional conduct involved providing lavish gifts, making comments on appearance, and inviting staffers to intimate dinners, though it found no evidence of sexual activity or explicit propositions.
Representative Chuck Edwards announced early Wednesday that he is withdrawing from his re-election campaign but will complete his current term through January. While the Ethics Committee report found no evidence of sexual activity or explicit propositions, it detailed a pattern of unprofessional conduct toward two female staffers, including lavish gifts and inappropriate comments. Edwards acknowledged that some of his behavior could be viewed as inappropriate, though his attorneys argue the censure recommendation is an unnecessarily harsh punishment.
Representative Chuck Edwards announced early Wednesday morning that he is withdrawing from his re-election campaign, though he intends to complete his current term ending in January. While the Ethics Committee report found no evidence of sexual activity or explicit propositions, it detailed a pattern of unprofessional conduct toward two female staffers, including providing lavish gifts and making comments regarding their appearance. Edwards acknowledged that some of his behavior could be viewed as inappropriate, even as his attorneys argued the censure recommendation is an excessively harsh punishment.
Representative Chuck Edwards announced early Wednesday that he is withdrawing from his re-election campaign, though he intends to complete his current term. While the Ethics Committee report found that his unprofessional conduct toward two female staffers created an uncomfortable environment, it stated there was no evidence of sexual activity or explicit propositions.
Following the Ethics Committee's recommendation for censure, Representative Chuck Edwards announced on X that he is withdrawing from his re-election campaign but will complete his current term, which ends in January—despite his attorneys' claim that the findings 'exonerate' him, as the committee concluded he engaged in persistent unprofessional conduct toward two female staffers, including lavish gifts and inappropriate comments, though no sexual activity or explicit propositions were found.
