The North Carolina congressman said he would cooperate with the probe by the Ethics Committee into his conduct toward female aides.
Read more Appeals court shows some skepticism of Trump’s effort to punish law firms
The House Ethics Committee publicly confirmed Thursday that it is investigating allegations regarding the conduct of Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-North Carolina) toward female staffers.
In a statement, the panel said that is reviewing allegations that Edwards “may have created or fostered a hostile work environment and engaged in sexual harassment.”
Aides to Edwards acknowledged last week that an inquiry was underway and said he welcomed the opportunity to counter what they described as “baseless” claims.
In a statement Thursday, Edwards said he would cooperate with the investigation.
“As I have stated, I welcome any investigation and plan to comply fully with the Committee. I am confident the investigation will expose the facts, not politically motivated fiction,” Edwards said.
A person familiar with the investigation said last week that staff members on the ethics panel had reached out to at least two former Edwards staffers who said they felt uncomfortable with the way the congressman interacted with them. Among the actions being scrutinized are Edwards’s remarks, his purchase of gifts and his hiring decisions, said the person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to share information the panel has not made public.
The Washington Post has not independently confirmed any allegations against Edwards.
Read more JD Vance praises Sen. Susan Collins, a GOP moderate and occasional Trump foe
The Republican lawmaker is facing a reelection challenge by Democrat Jamie Ager, a farmer from the mountainous swing district that Democrats see as a pickup opportunity as they seek to win back the House majority. Earlier this year, the House Democrats’ campaign arm, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, added the district to its “red-to-blue” list, signaling its intention to invest in the race.
The Ethics Committee’s confirmation of the Edwards investigation comes days after it released new information on its probe into Rep. Cory Mills (R-Florida). The panel has said it is investigating “serious and complex” allegations against Mills, including possible domestic violence, which he has strenuously denied.
The panel also recently publicly requested information from any victims of sexual misconduct by members of Congress and others aware of such incidents.
Last month, two lawmakers facing Ethics Committee investigations related to alleged sexual misconduct — Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-California) and Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) — resigned ahead of possible expulsion votes.
Swalwell faces allegations of sexual assault of a former staffer, among other misconduct, which he has denied. Gonzales acknowledged an affair with a staffer who later set herself on fire and died. House rules prohibit sexual relationships between lawmakers and staff members.
Read more Juan Soto returns to lineup for Mets, who also get a positive progress report on Francisco Lindor
