House Ethics Committee Recommends Censure of Rep. Chuck Edwards

The House Ethics Committee released a 25-page report on Monday detailing its findings against Rep. Chuck Edwards. According to the report, Edwards failed 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 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, and casino trips, which were cited as supporting evidence for its findings. Edwards did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the Ethics Committee's findings, but his attorneys said the panel cleared him of sexual misconduct and quid pro quo harassment.

The Ethics Committee's investigation began in May over allegations of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment. The committee found that Edwards gave two female staffers special attention that multiple sources described as inappropriate. The report stated that Edwards wrote one staffer a flattering poem, gave them personal gifts, and invited them to drinking outings and casino trips.

The full House will have to vote on whether to censure Edwards, which requires a simple majority. The committee did not recommend that Edwards be stripped of his committee assignments. The House is out of session until August 31, and no floor action is expected until lawmakers return.