Congressman Chuck Edwards censured over gifts, romantic messages to young female staffers

The US House of Representatives has overwhelmingly voted to censure Republican Congressman Chuck Edwards following an ethics investigation into his conduct towards two young female staffers.

According to CNN, lawmakers voted 413-2 on Tuesday to formally condemn the North Carolina Republican. Only Edwards and Republican Rep. Ralph Norman voted against the resolution.

A House Ethics Committee report released in August found Edwards repeatedly placed the women in an "untenable position" through behaviour a "reasonable observer" could interpret as romantic or sexual.

Investigators said Edwards gave the employees recurring gifts, invited them to intimate dinners and holidays and sent "deeply personal and seemingly romantic thoughts."

In one instance, he reportedly sent 30 varieties of ice cream to a staffer's home.

Edwards has denied engaging in sexual harassment or other improper relationships.

“I am imperfect. I have made mistakes," Edwards told the House before the vote.

"But I do not believe I committed sexual harassment, and the factual findings of this investigation do not justify branding me as though I did."

Democratic Rep. Teresa Leger Fernández argued censure was insufficient: “These women lost their jobs because of Mr. Edwards’ behavior. He should lose his."

Edwards announced after the ethics report that he would not seek re-election and will leave Congress in January.