The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted on Tuesday to censure Rep. Chuck Edwards, a Republican from North Carolina, following a detailed ethics investigation. The censure, which is a formal reprimand but not a removal from office, passed with a vote of 413-2. Only Edwards and Rep. Ralph Norman, a Republican from South Carolina, voted against it. Edwards was required to stand in the House chamber as Speaker Mike Johnson read the censure aloud. The bipartisan House Ethics Committee released a 25-page report last month that outlined multiple instances of what it described as "bizarre behavior, poor judgment, and unbecoming conduct" by Edwards. The report found that Edwards, who is married, gave two young female staffers lavish gifts, including jewelry, designer handbags, and tickets to events like the musical "Hamilton." He frequently commented on their appearance and dress, invited them to private dinners and vacations, and sent messages expressing "effusive affection." In one instance, Edwards went to the home of one staffer to help decorate her Christmas tree and skipped votes to do so. He also wrote poems for her, one of which he read at her going-away party in his office, where he reportedly cried. Other staff members later said they felt uncomfortable with these actions. The Ethics Committee did not find evidence that Edwards engaged in sexual activity or explicitly propositioned any of the women under his employ. However, the report stated that Edwards was at minimum unaware of the impact of his actions on the women and, at worst, dismissed the harm caused to their careers and well-being. Edwards rejected the findings and ended his re-election campaign after the committee recommended censuring him. A group of Republican leaders in North Carolina later selected state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom to run against him in the November election. In a letter to his colleagues, Edwards defended his actions, arguing that the reported behavior did not constitute "sexual misconduct." He claimed that affectionate friendships, gifts, compliments, and socializing with colleagues should not be interpreted as inappropriate. He also pointed out that the Ethics Committee found no evidence of sexual activity or harassment and noted that the allegations did not involve "quid pro quo" harassment or violations of federal law. However, the committee argued that Edwards' actions violated the House Code of Official Conduct by failing to follow the "spirit" of rules against sexual harassment and unwanted advances. Examples included taking one staffer on an extended trip to New York City and sending her multiple types of ice cream to cheer her up, which she called "excessive." Before the vote, Edwards apologized to his wife and family, as well as the two staffers, acknowledging that his actions may have made them uncomfortable. However, he emphasized that he did not believe the evidence supported a conclusion of sexual harassment. "Regret is not an admission of sexual harassment," he said, stating that he could acknowledge poor judgment and apologize without agreeing to the censure.