The House of Representatives voted 413-2 on Tuesday to censure Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., following a House Ethics Committee investigation that concluded he engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct toward two young female staffers. The censure, a formal expression of deep disapproval, marks the 29th such action in House history. The investigation, which spanned over four months, included interviews with 16 people and a review of nearly 1,500 pages of documents. The committee found that Edwards provided the women with jewelry, designer purses, shoes, and flowers, commented on their appearance, sent deeply personal letters, and even skipped a vote series to decorate a Christmas tree at one staffer's home. While the committee found no evidence of "quid pro quo sexual harassment" or explicit propositions, it concluded that a reasonable person could interpret Edwards' "intimate and effusive attentions" as thinly veiled advances that created a hostile work environment.