Key facts
- The House censured Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) over allegations of inappropriate behavior with female staffers.
- An Ethics Committee report found Edwards demonstrated "persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct."
- The conduct included expensive gifts and extensive travel.
- Edwards violated the spirit of rules against sexual harassment and unwanted advances.
- Edwards apologized to the staffers but disputed the conclusion that his behavior warranted censure.
- Edwards is the 29th lawmaker to be censured by the House.
The House of Representatives voted to censure North Carolina Republican Representative Chuck Edwards following an Ethics Committee report that detailed "persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct" toward two female staffers. The conduct reportedly included expensive gifts and extensive travel, leading the committee to find Edwards violated the spirit of the chamber's rules against sexual harassment and unwanted advances.
Edwards, who withdrew from his reelection bid in November shortly after the report's release, defended his actions on the House floor. He apologized for any discomfort caused but maintained that his behavior did not constitute sexual harassment and that the committee had selectively presented evidence. Despite his defense, lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to censure him, making him the 29th member in the House's history to face such a disciplinary action.
This censure is the latest in a series of disciplinary actions and scandals involving House lawmakers this Congress. Previously, Representatives Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) resigned amid accusations of sexual misconduct. Investigations are also ongoing for Representatives Jimmy Gomez (D-Calif.), Cory Mills (R-Fla.), and Max Miller (R-Ohio) concerning allegations of sexual harassment, dating violence, and domestic abuse, respectively. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-Fla.) resigned due to accusations of criminal financial fraud, and Representative Al Green (D-Texas) was censured for heckling President Trump.