House Ethics Committee Recommends Censure of Rep. Chuck Edwards
The House Ethics Committee found Rep. Chuck Edwards violated House Rules by failing to adhere to the spirit of rules prohibiting sexual harassment of and unwanted advances to House staffers. The committee recommended that Edwards be censured after concluding he violated the Code of Official Conduct.
The House Ethics Committee released a 25-page report on Monday finding Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) violated House Rules by failing to adhere to the spirit of rules prohibiting sexual harassment of and unwanted advances to House staffers. The bipartisan committee recommended that Edwards be censured after concluding he violated the Code of Official Conduct by failing to act in a manner that reflects creditably upon the House.
The report's findings confirmed several anecdotes previously reported, including handwritten correspondence, personal gifts, drinking outings, casino trips, and cited them as supporting evidence for its findings. Edwards did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the Ethics Committee's findings. The panel said it intends to bring a privileged resolution for consideration and vote by the full House.
The findings follow previous reporting that Edwards singled out two young female staffers in their 20s for special attention that multiple sources described as inappropriate. Edwards has denied wrongdoing in response to previous reporting about his alleged misconduct. The Ethics Committee first launched a probe into Edwards on May 14 over allegations of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment.
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What is the next step in the process?
The full House will have to vote on whether to censure Edwards, which requires a simple majority. The committee notably did not recommend that Edwards be stripped of his committee assignments.
What were some of the incidents that led to the Ethics Committee's findings?
The report cited incidents such as Edwards writing a flattering poem to a staffer, giving her a custom puzzle, and arranging for flowers to be waiting in her hotel room during a vacation in Las Vegas.
How did the staffers feel about Edwards' actions?
Several staffers present testified that they felt uncomfortable, and Representative Edwards acknowledged in his own testimony that he could tell the staff felt uncomfortable.
What gifts did Edwards give to the female staffers?
Edwards gave the female staffers numerous gifts, including jewelry totaling over $1,000, designer purses, guns, shoes, flowers, a laptop and cell phone, KitchenAid mixer, and a robotic vacuum.
When is the House expected to take action on the recommendation?
The House is out of session until Aug. 31, and no floor action is expected until lawmakers return.
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