House censures North Carolina Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards

The House of Representatives voted 413-2 on Tuesday evening to censure Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards of North Carolina. This formal punishment, recommended by the House Ethics Committee after an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment, followed a series of improper actions towards young female staff members. Edwards, acknowledged his imperfection and apologized to his wife Theresa during a House debate, but maintained that his actions did not constitute sexual harassment.

The Ethics Committee report found no evidence of sexual activity or explicit propositions, but detailed persistent unprofessional conduct, including lavish gifts, inappropriate comments, invitations to intimate gatherings, and affectionate notes. Despite being a personal blow, the vote received bipartisan support, with only two Republicans, Edwards and Rep. Ralph Norman, dissenting.