House Censures Chuck Edwards 413-2 Over 2 Staffers as He Rejects Harassment Finding
Updated
Updated · The Daily Beast · Sep 2
House Censures Chuck Edwards 413-2 Over 2 Staffers as He Rejects Harassment Finding
3 articles · Updated · The Daily Beast · Sep 2
Summary
Chuck Edwards lashed out after the House voted 413-2 to censure him, saying he "does not accept the conclusion" that his conduct toward two young female staffers amounted to sexual harassment.
The Ethics Committee said there was substantial evidence of unprofessional conduct, citing lavish gifts, personal letters, private dinners, strip-club talk and deleted messages that obscured exchanges with the women.
Both staffers testified the behavior appeared sexual or romantic and pushed them to leave his office; Edwards argued there was no sexual activity, proposition, quid pro quo or legal harassment violation.
The North Carolina Republican stood in the House well as Speaker Mike Johnson read the censure resolution, then said he would finish his term after already ending his reelection campaign.