Ethics Committee Accuses GOP Lawmaker of Repeated Inappropriate Conduct Toward Staffers

A 🏛️House Ethics Committee investigation has recommended that Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., be censured after concluding he repeatedly engaged in inappropriate and unprofessional conduct toward two young female staffers in his congressional office.

The committee released an extensive report accusing Edwards of behavior that violated the House code of conduct, per Fox News.

While Edwards denied his actions were intended as romantic or sexual advances, investigators said a reasonable person could interpret the pattern of conduct that way.

According to the report, Edwards repeatedly gave the staffers expensive gifts, complimented their appearance, invited them to dinners, vacations and other outings, and sent messages expressing strong affection.

The committee concluded that the repeated interactions crossed professional boundaries and created an uncomfortable workplace environment.

"Representative Edwards engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct towards two young female staffers," the report states.

It added that his actions included "lavish and recurrent gifts," comments about their appearance, invitations to intimate dinners and vacations, and written notes expressing affection.