US Ethics Panel Recommends Censure for Congressman Edwards
The House Ethics Committee has recommended censure for Congressman Chuck Edwards. Edwards is a Republican from North Carolina.
The committee investigated his conduct with staff members this year. It found Edwards engaged in sexual harassment.
It also found he created a hostile work environment. Two young female staffers were affected.
The committee said Edwards gave gifts to the two women. He also gave them excessive attention.
The report found no evidence Edwards propositioned the staffers. It also found no evidence of sexual activity with them.
Instead it found he broke the spirit of harassment rules. Edwards' lawyers say this finding clears him.
They call the censure recommendation extremely harsh. If approved this would be the first House censure since 2010.
The House is currently on break. Any vote would not happen until at least September.
Key Terms 2
- censure An official public statement criticizing a lawmaker's conduct.
- House Ethics Committee Group of lawmakers who investigate misconduct by House members.