US House votes 413-2 to censure NC Congressman Chuck Edwards for inappropriate conduct toward two young female staffers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The US House has voted overwhelmingly to censure North Carolina Congressman Chuck Edwards following a bipartisan Ethics Committee investigation.

In a 413 to 2 vote, lawmakers condemned Edwards for engaging in “persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct” toward two young female staffers. The committee’s report detailed thousands of dollars in lavish gifts, late-night text messages, and unwanted personal attention that violated House rules against sexual harassment.

Standing in the House Chamber on Tuesday, Edwards apologized to the women for his poor judgment but maintained his actions were grounded in “friendship.” He says, “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. My intentions were only grounded in what I understood our friendship to be.”

The two House members to vote against the censure were South Carolina Congressman Ralph Norman and Edwards himself. Edwards has already ended his re-election bid.