A North Carolina Republican Congressman, 65-year-old Chuck Edwards, has been recommended for censure by the House Ethics Committee following an investigation into sexual harassment violations involving two female staffers in their twenties. The committee's 25-page report found that Edwards failed to adhere to rules prohibiting sexual harassment and unwanted advances.
The recommendation suggests that Edwards be censured, a disciplinary action that involves the offender being reprimanded by colleagues on the House floor. The two staffers worked for Edwards for several years. According to the report, both received numerous gifts from the congressman, including jewelry valued at over $1,000, designer purses, guns, shoes, flowers, a laptop, a cell phone, a KitchenAid mixer, a robotic vacuum, and tickets to performances, alongside private dinners.
Edwards is also accused of persistently commenting on the staffers' appearances, a claim he did not dispute when questioned by investigators. He reportedly stated that on Capitol Hill, "it's almost an issue if you don't make some comment about [one another's clothing]." The report details instances where Edwards commented on the weight of his young female staffers and called them "pretty" or "breathtaking" in the office. He maintained that these relationships were "platonic," though the report notes many felt they were "far from professional."
Investigators found no evidence of sexual activity or explicit propositions from Edwards to the staffers. One staffer, identified as 'Staffer 1,' was 19 years old when she began as an intern and was later offered a scheduling position while still in school. 'Staffer 2' had previously worked for Edwards when he was a North Carolina state Senator before joining his congressional staff after his election in 2022.
The report highlights an instance where Edwards sent approximately 30 pints of ice cream to Staffer 1's home to cheer her up, which she described as "a bit excessive." Edwards responded, "You looked like you needed a lot of cheering up! My heart was breaking seeing you like that." He also funded a trip to New York City for Staffer 2 and a friend, including tickets to see the musical "Hamilton," after she experienced a breakup.
GOP House leadership will now review the Ethics Committee's recommendation. A decision on whether to proceed with a censure resolution is expected after the chamber returns from its summer recess in September.