The House Ethics Committee has recommended that Republican Representative Chuck Edwards of North Carolina face censure after concluding that he engaged in sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct toward two young female staffers.
A bipartisan panel determined that Edwards fostered a hostile work environment by giving gifts and lavishing attention on the two unidentified aides. The report found that this special treatment made the staffers uncomfortable and harmed relations with other employees, concluding that the congressman made unwelcome sexual advances and violated the spirit of sexual harassment policies.
The recommendation comes after a months-long investigation that began earlier this year following complaints about Edwards' conduct. The committee stated there is substantial reason to believe the second-term congressman violated House rules through persistent unprofessional and inappropriate behavior.