A House Ethics Committee report released Monday recommends the full House censure Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) for what it described as a pattern of "persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct" toward two female staffers. The 20-page report found that Edwards "went beyond norms of professional behavior" by offering lavish gifts, commenting on the women's appearance, and inviting them to intimate dinners and vacations.
One staffer, identified in the report as Staffer 2, told a friend that the congressman's actions led her to believe he did not view her as "just a daughter figure" and that she felt "scared lowkey." The report noted that Edwards "denied that any of his conduct was intended as a sexual or romantic advance," but stated that "his pattern of behavior would lead a reasonable observer to interpret it as such."
Among the specific incidents detailed in the report, Edwards arranged for a singer to perform at one staffer's birthday party, presenting the performance as being "from a special someone." The committee, comprised of 10 bipartisan members, found evidence supporting the staffer's interpretation of the events.
Edwards' office did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding the report's findings and recommendations.