US House ethics panel recommends censure for Republican Chuck Edwards

North Carolina congressman’s campaign rejects committee finding that Edwards ‘engaged in sexual harassment’ The US House of Representatives ethics committee on Monday recommended that Chuck Edwards, a Republican congressman, face censure after determining he “fostered a hostile work environment and engaged in sexual harassment” by giving gifts and lavishing attention on two young female staffers. The bipartisan panel began investigating the second-term North Carolina congressman earlier this year, after receiving complaints about his conduct. In a report approved by Democratic and Republican committee members, they determined there “was substantial reason to believe” Edwards broke House rules by singling out the two unidentified aides for special treatment that made them uncomfortable and harmed relations with other employees. While the investigation uncovered no evidence that Edwards engaged in sexual activity with the staffers or suggested it, his behavior likely violated provisions in the House code of conduct that prohibit sexual harassment and unwanted advances. The congressman “acknowledged at least some of the behavior at issue could be viewed as inappropriate”, but “has not