Western North Carolina Rep. Chuck Edwards is reportedly under investigation by the U.S. House Ethics Committee over improper behavior allegations, according to new reporting by CNN.
CNN reported that "two sources familiar with the matter" confirmed the investigation against the Republican representative is due to claims of improper behavior. The investigation was originally said to be over "unspecified allegations," Axios reported.
The sources said the House Ethics Committee was recently contacted by a witness who described having witnessed "improper behavior." CNN said the precise nature of the improper behavior is unknown at this time; however, the news outlet labeled the claims as "allegations of sexual harassment." It is also unclear whether the committee has confirmed any of these allegations.
Axios reported Thursday that the Republican congressman and members of his staff received emails from a House Ethics Committee lawyer, authorizing the investigation.
According to Axios, a lawyer from the committee said Chair Michael Guest (R-Miss.) and ranking member Mark DeSaulnier (D-Calif.) had authorized ethics staff to investigate "allegations involving Representative Chuck Edwards." Axios reported that Ethics investigations can take months or even years to complete.
Rep. Edwards currently represents North Carolina's 11th Congressional District and is running for re-election this November. The Republican congressman is set to face off against Democrat Jamie Ager, a Fairview farmer and small business owner.
"I welcome any investigation, given the professionalism my staff has demonstrated and my commitment to serving the people of Western NC. Given the current political environment we are facing in our nation, it comes as no surprise that others with their own political agendas will attempt to raise false accusations in order to create news stories," Edwards' team said in a statement to News 13.
"It's not common to get these kinds of investigations, but it's not entirely uncommon either," said Dr. Chris Cooper from Western Carolina University. "There was one just last week into Alma Adams, a Democratic member of Congress in the Charlotte area. So, this kind of thing does happen. The details still need to come out. But there's an old adage in politics that says, 'If you're explaining, you're losing.' And obviously, Chuck Edwards is going to be doing some explaining."
News 13 reached out directly to the House Ethics Committee, to which a representative said they have no comment.
STORY COURTESY OF WLOS-TV 13