House Democratic Women's Caucus Calls for Rep. Chuck Edwards' Resignation

The House Democratic Women's Caucus is calling for Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) to resign after the House Ethics Committee concluded he violated House rules over sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. According to a statement, the caucus believes that censure, the punishment recommended by the bipartisan Ethics Committee, is not sufficient for Edwards. The committee found Edwards violated House rules by failing to adhere to the spirit of rules prohibiting sexual harassment of and unwanted advances to House staffers, according to a 25-page report released Monday.

The report's findings confirmed several incidents previously reported, including handwritten correspondence, personal gifts, drinking outings, and casino trips, and cited them as supporting evidence for its findings. The Democratic Women's Caucus leaders argued Edwards' conduct drove two staffers from their jobs and warranted consequences beyond censure. The House is expected to vote on censuring Edwards after returning from the August recess, and Republicans already say the outcome is all but certain.

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) told Axios she will vote to censure Edwards, stating that sexual harassment is completely unacceptable. A House GOP leadership aide also said they don't see a path where Edwards avoids censure. The Democratic Women's Caucus plans to introduce legislation creating tougher penalties for lawmakers found to have committed sexual misconduct, including stripping committee assignments or requiring an expulsion vote.