House censures Rep. Edwards for harassing female aides, marking a major ethics rebuke

The House voted 413-2 to censure Rep. Chuck Edwards after the House Ethics Committee found he engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct toward two young female staffers, including remarks about appearance and off-hours gifts and activities; Edwards denies wrongdoing but apologized to the staffers and had already said he would not seek reelection. Censure is the harshest punishment short of expulsion and underscores ongoing efforts to reform how Congress handles misconduct by members.