The committee agrees.

Exhibit 12

August 3, 2026 · Ibid.

Editorial cartoon: Rep. Chuck Edwards stands behind a House Ethics Committee evidence table, one palm turned up, saying 'I never touched them.' On the baize in front of him sit numbered exhibits — a tray of jewelry, two designer purses, a shotgun, a pair of heels, an open laptop, and a full-size stand mixer with a tag reading EXHIBIT 12. Behind, two blank committee silhouettes sit beside binders labelled 1,500 PAGES.

The House Ethics Committee's 20-page report recommends censuring Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.) for "persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct" toward two young female staffers. After 16 interviews and more than 1,500 pages of evidence, investigators found no evidence he propositioned them but documented "lavish and recurrent gifts": over $1,000 in jewelry, designer purses, guns, shoes, a laptop, a KitchenAid mixer, vacations and one-on-one dinners. Edwards' lawyers say he regrets that his conduct created discomfort. With the House in recess, a floor censure vote waits until at least September.