House censures Rep. Chuck Edwards over inappropriate conduct toward aides

The House voted 413-2 on Tuesday to formally censure Rep. Chuck Edwards after an Ethics Committee investigation found that the North Carolina Republican behaved inappropriately toward two young women who worked for him.

The punishment required Edwards to stand in the House chamber while a resolution condemning his conduct was read aloud. The bipartisan committee released its report in early August. It said Edwards had engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct toward the women, who first worked for him when he was a state senator and later joined his congressional office.

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at minimum blind to that reality, and at worst, dismissive of the impact his inappropriate conduct had on the careers and wellbeing of two women on his staff.

The committee found no evidence that Edwards had sexual relations with the women or explicitly propositioned them. It nevertheless concluded that his behavior created rumors and innuendo and violated House rules covering sexual harassment and toxic workplaces. The rules prohibit lawmakers from having sexual relationships with subordinates and from making unwelcome sexual advances or engaging in unwelcome sexual conduct toward House employees.

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poor judgment

The report said both women felt uncomfortable and tried to communicate that, but their position as employees left them unable to respond freely. It said Edwards was “at minimum blind to that reality, and at worst, dismissive of the impact his inappropriate conduct had on the careers and wellbeing of two women on his staff.”

The report described gifts including jewelry, designer handbags, guns, flowers, a KitchenAid mixer and a robotic vacuum. Edwards also commented on the women's appearance, invited them to private dinners and vacations, and sent notes expressing affection. In one case, he arranged for a singer to attend a woman's birthday party, perform Ed Sheeran's “Hills of Aberfeldy” and say it was from a special someone.

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regret is not an admission of sexual harassment.

Speaking before the vote, Edwards admitted to “poor judgment” and said, “regret is not an admission of sexual harassment.” He apologized to the two women and his wife, saying his actions and the way he expressed friendship had put them in an uncomfortable position.

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I am sorry. I'm sorry that my actions, my judgment or the way that I expressed a friendship ever put either of you in an uncomfortable position.