The House Ethics Committee opened an investigation into Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC) over sexual harassment allegations. He has also been accused of fostering a “hostile work environment.”
The investigation comes as reports allege that Edwards had inappropriate relationships with staffers. He denied having any such relationship, telling CNN, “I think you’re gonna find that when Ethics completes their investigation that the facts will have caught up with all the gossip and the rumor.”
“The Committee, pursuant to Committee Rule 18(a), is reviewing allegations that Representative Chuck Edwards may have created or fostered a hostile work environment and engaged in sexual harassment in violation of the Code of Official Conduct or any other applicable standard of conduct,” the committee wrote. “The Committee notes that the mere fact that it is investigating these allegations, and publicly disclosing its review, does not itself indicate that any violation has occurred. No other public comment will be made on this matter except in accordance with Committee rules.”
Rep. Jim Costa (D-CA) has also faced a House ethics inquiry into claims he pursued inappropriate contact with female interns. A former House Democratic staffer filed a complaint with the Office of Congressional Conduct in early 2023, alleging Costa had behaved inappropriately with her in February 2020, when she was a 22-year-old intern working for another lawmaker. Costa was 67 at the time.
According to a NOTUS report, a woman described a California State Society event at which Costa asked her to dance. She declined. The two ended up dancing anyway as she was trying to leave. Costa then gave her his personal phone number, told her he could help advance her career, and suggested they meet for dinner. When investigators asked whether she interpreted his behavior as sexual in nature, she said yes.
