ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards on Tuesday defended himself on the House floor as lawmakers considered whether to censure the North Carolina Republican over his conduct toward two female congressional aides.
“Mr. Speaker, regret is not an admission of sexual harassment,” Edwards said during a brief speech.
Edwards said he could acknowledge poor judgment and apologize to people who were hurt or made uncomfortable by his actions while still disagreeing with the Ethics Committee’s findings.
“I can acknowledge poor judgment, regret the discomfort that some of my actions may have caused, and apologize to those who were hurt by this episode, while still disputing a conclusion that the evidence just simply does not support,” he said.
The House is considering a resolution to censure Edwards after the House Ethics Committee found that he engaged in what it described as “persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct” toward two female aides.
Edwards has disputed the committee’s findings and denied sexually harassing the women.
In a letter to his House colleagues dated Aug. 25, Edwards argued that the committee’s findings blurred the line between inappropriate behavior and sexual misconduct.
“An affectionate friendship is not a sexual proposition. A gift is not sexual misconduct,” Edwards wrote. “A compliment is not sexual misconduct. Poetry is not sexual misconduct.”
The letter was first reported by NOTUS.
The Ethics Committee’s report found that both women were uncomfortable with Edwards’ behavior. The committee also said the women were in a difficult position because Edwards was their boss and a member of Congress.
Edwards referenced the letter during Tuesday’s speech, saying he had laid out most of his argument there.
“Some will read it, some have, and some will simply cast judgment,” Edwards said.
“Mr. Speaker, regret is not an admission of sexual harassment.”