Embattled Rep. Chuck Edwards censured for inappropriate conduct toward female staffers offers half-hearted apology

Rep.Chuck Edwards (R-NC) was censured Tuesday by House lawmakers after an ethics panel found he behaved inappropriately with two young female aides.  The 413-2 vote to censure the two-term congressman comes after the House Ethics Committee recommended he be reprimanded for “unprofessional and inappropriate conduct” toward the female staffers, including commenting on their physical appearance, lavishing them with gifts and inviting them to vacation with him.Rep.

Ralph Norman (R-SC) and Edwards himself were the only lawmakers who voted against the censure, which is the strongest punishment the House can impose against a member short of expulsion.Immediately after the vote, Edwards was forced to stand in the well of the House while House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) read a verbal reprimand against his colleague — completing the embarrassing censure punishment.Ahead of the scolding, Edwards offered a half-hearted apology as he defended himself against the allegations.    “I want to say something directly and publicly to the two women who have been at the center of all of this: I am sorry,” Edwards said during an 11-minute speech. “I’m sorry that my actions, my judgment, or the way that I expressed a friendship, ever put either of you in an uncomfortable position,” he continued.

“My intentions were only grounded in what I understood our friendship to be, and in genuine admiration and respect that I had for each of you, not only as professionals, but as people – people who are willing to share so much of your stories and your backgrounds with me. “I recognize now that my understanding of those relationships may not have always matched yours.” Edwards also apologized to his family for having to “carry a burden that you did not create and did not deserve.” Specifically addressing his wife, Edwards said: “I’m deeply sorry that my judgment and my actions put you in a position where you had to endure embarrassment, hurt, public scrut...