House Ethics Committee recommends censure for Rep. Chuck Edwards after harassment findings

The House Ethics Committee said Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., violated the chamber’s code of conduct by repeatedly targeting two young female staffers with what the panel described as unprofessional behavior. The investigation documented a pattern that included providing the aides with frequent gifts, commenting on their appearance, inviting them to private dinners and trips, and sending affectionate notes.

"Specifically, the Committee found that Representative Edwards engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct towards two young female staffers. While Representative Edwards denied that any of his conduct was intended as a sexual or romantic advance, his pattern of behavior would lead a reasonable observer to interpret it as such, including providing the young women with lavish and recurrent gifts, making comments regarding their appearance and dress, inviting them to intimate dinners and vacations, sending notes regarding his effusive affection, and inviting them to other activities as a way to spend time together," the report stated.

The committee also noted that some messages relevant to the investigation were omitted or appeared to have been deleted from Edwards' phone, despite his claim of cooperation. Testimony from several staff members indicated they felt uncomfortable with his remarks, which at times referenced their weight and included poetic readings at a farewell event. Edwards acknowledged that staff expressed discomfort during his testimony.

"An example of Representative Edwards’ unprofessional conduct was commenting on the two women’s appearance in the congressional office, telling them when they looked 'pretty' or 'breathtaking,' and even remarking on one staffer’s weight," the report said.

Edwards defended his comments as casual observations about clothing, saying it would be an insult not to remark on each other's attire.