House censures Rep. Chuck Edwards over “inappropriate conduct” toward aides

September 1, 2026 / 6:17 PM EDT / CBS News

Washington — The House censured Rep. Chuck Edwards on Tuesday after a House Ethics Committee investigation found the North Carolina Republican engaged in "persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct" toward two young women who worked for him.

The House approved Edwards' punishment — standing in the chamber as the resolution condemning his conduct was read aloud — in a 413 to 2 vote. Censure requires a simple majority.

The bipartisan Ethics Committee released a report in early August detailing Edwards' conduct toward the two women, who previously worked for him when he was a state senator before joining his congressional office. While the committee found no evidence that Edwards engaged in sexual activity with the women or explicitly propositioned them, his behavior toward them created "rumors and innuendo" and violated House rules related to sexual harassment and toxic workplaces.

House rules prohibit lawmakers from having a sexual relationship with a subordinate and from engaging in "unwelcome sexual advances or conduct" toward a House employee.

"Both women were uncomfortable with his behavior (which they attempted to communicate) but were put in an untenable position by virtue of his status as their boss…

Original source: https://www.cbsnews.com/healthwatch/