Washington — The House Ethics Committee made the announcement Thursday Investigation of Republican Representative Chuck Edwards of North Carolina Due to allegations that he created a hostile work environment and engaged in sexual harassment.
Edwards, who is serving his second term in the House, said he welcomed the investigation and intended to cooperate fully with the committee.
“I am confident the investigation will uncover facts, not politically motivated fiction,” Edwards said.
The investigation comes on the heels of an Axios report that three sources told the publication they witnessed Edwards’ behavior toward two female employees in their 20s that they described as inappropriate. Sources said Edwards’ behavior crossed professional boundaries and created an uncomfortable work environment. Axios said the sources were granted anonymity to protect against retaliation.
The Ethics Commission said in announcing its investigation that it would make no further public comment on the matter, and that the disclosure of the review did not in itself indicate that any violation had occurred.
The committee’s investigation comes at a time of increasing scrutiny of lawmakers’ behavior toward female employees following their resignation Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell and Republican Rep. Tony Gonzalez. Both faced calls to be fired before stepping down.