<p>The House Ethics Committee found <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/13/chuck-edwards-house-female-staffer-attention-ethics" target="_blank">Rep. Chuck Edwards</a> (R-N.C.) violated House Rules by "failing to adhere to the spirit of rules prohibiting sexual harassment of and unwanted advances to House staffers," according to a 25-page report released Monday.</p><p><strong>Why it matters:</strong> The bipartisan committee recommended that Edwards <a href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/20/house-censure-mills-plaskett-mike-johnson" target="_blank">be censured</a> after concluding he "violated the Code of Official Conduct by failing to act in a manner that reflects creditably upon the House."</p><hr><ul><li>The panel said it "intends to bring a privileged resolution for consideration and vote by the full House."</li><li>The findings follow <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/05/04/chuck-edwards-letter-house-ethics" target="_blank">Axios' reporting</a> that Edwards singled out two young female staffers in their 20s for special attention that multiple sources described as inappropriate.</li></ul><p><strong>Edwards has denied wrongdoing</strong> in response to Axios' previous reporting about his alleged misconduct, telling the <a href="https://www.theassemblync.com/news/politics/chuck-edwards-ethics-investigation-sexual-misconduct-allegations/" target="_blank">The Assembly</a> in May that the accusations were "horseshit." He told Axios he would "welcome any investigation."</p><ul><li>Edwards also maintained that he was cooperating with the Ethics Committee.</li><li>Ethics first launched a probe into Edwards on May 14 over allegations of sexual harassment and creating a "hostile work environment"</li><li>Axios was <a href="https://www.axios.com/2026/04/30/chuck-edwards-investigation-house-ethics" target="_blank">first to report</a> that the Ethics Committee was investigating Edwards.</li></ul><p><strong>What's next: </strong>The Ethics Committee itself has no authority to punish members; it can only recommend penalties.</p><ul><li>The full House will have to vote on whether to censure Edwards, which only requires a simple majority.</li><li>The House is out of session until Aug. 31, and no floor action is expected until lawmakers return.</li></ul><p><em>Editor's note: This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. </em></p>