The House voted 413-2 on Tuesday to censure Rep. Chuck Edwards, , after a House Ethics Committee investigation concluded he engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct toward two young female staffers in his office. The censure, which passed with only Edwards and Rep. Ralph Norman, , voting against it, is a formal rebuke that does not remove him from office. After the vote, Edwards stood in the well of the House chamber as Speaker Mike Johnson read the resolution aloud.

Ethics Investigation Findings

The House Ethics Committee's investigation, detailed in a 25-page report, found "substantial evidence" that Edwards violated the chamber's prohibition on sexual harassment. The committee concluded that Edwards' behavior created a hostile work environment, though it found no evidence that he engaged in sexual activity with the women or explicitly propositioned them. The report stated that both women were uncomfortable with his behavior but were "put in an untenable position by virtue of his status as their boss and a Member of Congress."

The committee detailed a pattern of behavior that included providing the aides with lavish gifts, such as jewelry, designer purses, guns, flowers, a KitchenAid mixer, and a robotic vacuum; commenting on their appearance and dress; sending notes about his affection; and inviting them to intimate dinners and vacations. On one occasion, Edwards arranged for a singer to perform Ed Sheeran's "Hills of Aberfeldy" at a staffer's birthday party. He also wrote poems for one woman, including one he read at her going-away party, and skipped House votes to decorate a staffer's Christmas tree.

Rep. Michael Guest, chairman of the House Ethics Committee, said the case did not involve "quid pro quo sexual harassment" but rather conduct that created a hostile work environment. "While Representative Edwards denies that his conduct was intended to be sexual or romantic, his pattern of behavior would lead a reasonable person to interpret it as such," Guest said. He added that Edwards was "at minimum blind to that reality, and at worst, dismissive of the impact his conduct had on the career and well-being of the women on his staff."

Rep. Mark DeSaulnier, the top Democrat on the ethics panel, said the investigation spanned more than four months and included interviews of 16 people and review of nearly 1,500 pages of documents. He described Edwards' conduct as "sustained, unprofessional and inappropriate." Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez called the behavior "outlandish and disturbing."

Edwards' Defense and Apology

In a speech on the House floor ahead of the vote, Edwards admitted to "poor judgment" but insisted, "Regret is not an admission of sexual harassment." He apologized directly to the two women: "I want to say something directly and publicly to the two women who have been at the center of all of this: 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." He also apologized to his wife and family, saying they carried a burden they did not create or deserve.

Edwards forcefully rejected the committee's most damaging conclusions and the censure recommendation, emphasizing that the report found no evidence of sexual activity or explicit propositions. In a letter to colleagues, he argued: "An affectionate friendship is not a sexual proposition. A gift is not sexual misconduct. A compliment is not sexual misconduct. Poetry is not sexual misconduct." He also said, "Generosity is not sexual harassment."

Context and Aftermath

The censure was the first recommended by the House Ethics Committee since 2010. Edwards, who is serving his second term representing western North Carolina's 11th District, ended his reelection bid after the committee issued its report. GOP state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom was picked to replace him on the November ballot.

The vote came amid broader scrutiny of lawmakers' behavior toward staffers. Earlier this year, Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell resigned after an allegation of rape, and Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales resigned after admitting to an affair with a staffer who later died by suicide. The Ethics Committee also announced it is reviewing allegations that Rep. Jimmy Gomez, , engaged in inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer.