The House of Representatives voted to censure Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., after a House Ethics Committee report found he engaged in "persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct" with two young female staffers, creating a hostile work environment. The bipartisan measure, which requires a public rebuke but not resignation, saw several Republicans join Democrats in condemning Edwards' actions.
The ethics report, chaired by Rep. Michael Guest, R-Miss., detailed instances of lavish gifts, trips, and late-night personal texts directed at the staffers. It also noted Edwards had read a poem to one staffer and performed chores at another's home. While the committee did not find evidence of sexual activity or explicit propositions, it concluded that Edwards' conduct violated rules prohibiting sexual harassment.
"The committee found that Representative Edwards was, at a minimum, blind to the reality and at worst dismissive of the impact his conduct had on the career and well-being of the women on his staff," Guest stated on the House floor.
Edwards, who had already ended his bid for re-election two days after the report's release, disputed its findings. He argued on the House floor that the Ethics Committee had deviated from its own rules and that his regret was "not an admission of sexual harassment." He contended that his actions, such as "generosity" and "caring deeply about the people with whom you've worked for years," do not constitute misconduct.
Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández, D-N.M., chair of the Democratic Women’s Caucus, countered that Edwards demonstrated a lack of remorse and understanding of sexual harassment and abuse of power. "If we don't take action today, there is no opportunity for these women to receive justice," she said.
Edwards' censure marks the 30th time a member of the House has faced such a penalty. The vote comes amid increased scrutiny of lawmaker conduct on Capitol Hill. Earlier this year, Reps. Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales resigned amid allegations of sexual misconduct and affairs with former staffers, both facing potential expulsion votes.