From Staff Reports 

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives on Sept. 1 voted 413-2 to formally censure Republican Rep. Chuck Edwards of North Carolina after an ethics investigation into his workplace conduct.

Following is an overview of the vote:

• The vote: 413 in favor and 2 opposed. Rep. Edwards and South Carolina Republican Rep. Ralph Norman cast the only “no” votes.

• The punishment: Edwards became the 29th member in House history to be officially censured. A censure is a public reprimand read aloud on the House floor by the Speaker; it does not expel a member or strip them of committee assignments, but serves as a formal condemnation. 

Details of the investigation and allegations include the following:

• Ethics findings: A bipartisan investigation by the House Ethics Committee found substantial evidence that Edwards engaged in a pattern of persistent, unprofessional and inappropriate conduct — creating a hostile work environment for two young female staffers. 

• Behaviors cited: The probe documented late-night messaging, one-on-one invitations, and excessive gift-giving (including shoes, electronics, and tickets) that made the aides uncomfortable. Investigators noted the panel found no explicit physical propositions or quid pro quo sexual activity, but determined the boundaries crossed violated the spirit of House rules. 

The reactions and fallout were as follows:

• Floor apology and defense: Speaking on the House floor before the vote, Edwards apologized to his family and the former staffers for poor judgment and discomfort caused, but maintained that his actions stemmed from misplaced personal friendships and disputed the conclusion that he committed sexual harassment.

• Broader context: The overwhelming bipartisan vote reflects mounting pressure within Congress to address workplace misconduct and overhaul Capitol Hill safety protocols. Edwards previously had announced hat the would forgo running for re-election.