WASHINGTON, D.C. — The bipartisan House Ethics Committee has voted to recommend the formal censure of Representative Chuck Edwards of North Carolina after concluding that his repeated conduct toward two young female congressional aides was inappropriate and inconsistent with standards expected of members of Congress.

According to the committee's findings, the investigation determined that Edwards repeatedly gave expensive gifts, made personal comments, and invited the aides to private dinners and vacations. While investigators found no evidence of sexual propositions or a physical relationship, they concluded that the behavior created an uncomfortable workplace because of the significant power imbalance between a member of Congress and congressional staff.

The report states that both staff members eventually left their positions after experiencing the conduct described in the investigation. Ethics investigators said the actions violated the spirit of House rules designed to maintain a professional workplace and protect congressional employees from inappropriate behavior.

Edwards has denied any improper intent, maintaining that his interactions were not romantic. His legal representatives argued that the committee's recommendation is disproportionate because investigators did not identify a direct violation of a specific House rule. Nevertheless, the committee criticized what it described as a lack of accountability and concluded that a reasonable observer could interpret the conduct as inappropriate.

The recommendation now moves to the full House of Representatives, where lawmakers will decide whether to approve the censure resolution. Although no vote is expected immediately, the case has already become one of the most closely watched ethics matters on Capitol Hill.

Government ethics experts say the outcome could influence future standards governing workplace conduct in Congress and reinforce expectations for professional relationships between elected officials and staff members.

The investigation also arrives as lawmakers face increasing public scrutiny over transparency, accountability and workplace culture, making ethics enforcement a significant political issue beyond the individual case.