Chuck Edwards

Edwards Files OCC Complaint Against Ethics Committee Leaders for Circumventing Their Own Rules

Position: Rep. Chuck Edwards states that the House Ethics Committee circumvented its own rules, including waiver requirements and procedural protections, in recommending his censure, and he has filed a complaint with the Office of Congressional Conduct.

WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) announced that he has filed a formal submission with the Office of Congressional Conduct against House Ethics Committee Chairman Michael Guest and Ranking Member Mark DeSaulnier, alleging that they circumvented the Committee’s own rules to recommend his censure. “The Ethics Committee demanded that I be punished for supposedly violating the ‘letter and spirit’ of House rules while its own leaders treated those same rules as optional,”Edwards said.“There was nothing ethical about this process. They decided the outcome, adopted their report before receiving my response, denied me the procedures designed to test their accusations, and then publicly attacked my character based on findings that were never subjected to an adjudicatory hearing or the required clear-and-convincing-evidence standard.” According to the complaint, the Committee voted to adopt its report on July 22, 2026, 12 days before receiving Edwards’ formal response. The Committee did not provide the draft report to Edwards’ counsel until July 31. By that point, its factual findings, credibility determinations, conclusions, and recommendation of censure had already been approved. “Allowing me to append a response to a decision they had already made was not due process, and it shamelessly abandons the Committee's claim to 'provide a fair procedural framework for the conduct of the Committee's activities," Edwards said. “It was window dressing intended to create the appearance of fairness after the verdict had already been written.” The complaint further alleges that the Committee relied upon a purported waiver to bypass the regular disciplinary process even though Edwards never executed a waiver satisfying Committee Rule 26(b). That rule expressly requires any waiver request to be in writing, signed by the respondent, and to identify the specific procedural rights or steps being waived. Edwards submitted and signed no such document. “Chairman Guest and Ranking Member DeSaulnier cannot manufacture a waiver that does not exist,”Edwards said. “Nor can they use an oral communication with counsel as a license to discard their own rules. Rule 26(b) is unambiguous: a waiver must be written, signed by the respondent, and specific about the rights being waived. None of that occurred.” Without a valid waiver, the Committee proceeded without establishing an Investigative Subcommittee, issuing a Statement of Alleged Violation, permitting an answer to specific charges, conducting an adjudicatory hearing, allowing Edwards to confront adverse testimony and introduce evidence, determining that any count was proved by clear and convincing evidence, or holding a sanction hearing. The Committee’s report found no sexual activity, no explicit sexual proposition, no quid pro quo harassment, and no violation of federal sexual-harassment law. Nevertheless, it recommended censure based upon broad interpretations of the “letter and spirit” of House rules. “They could not prove that I violated the law or identify sexual conduct,” Edwards said.“So they relied on insinuation, selective evidence, and subjective assumptions—while denying me the very process their rules establish for separating facts from accusations. They invoked the ‘spirit’ of the rules to condemn me while violating the unmistakable letter of their own.” The OCC complaint asks for an independent investigation into whether Guest and DeSaulnier violated House standards by authorizing a sanction recommendation through a process the Committee’s rules did not permit. It also requests preservation and examination of all communications concerning the purported waiver, correction of the public record, appropriate disciplinary action, and a public apology for the grave and lasting damage inflicted upon Edwards’ character, dignity, reputation, family, and public service. “No Member of Congress, Republican or Democrat, should be subjected to a process in which the investigators write the verdict first and hear the defense later,” Edwards said.“If the Ethics Committee cannot be trusted to follow its own rules when a Member’s reputation and dignity are at stake, then it has forfeited the moral authority to sit in judgment of anyone else. Chairman Guest and Ranking Member DeSaulnier must be held accountable.” A copy of the OCC submission is available here.

Edwards Advances FY27 National Security and State Department Funding Bill

Position: The release supports passage of the FY27 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill, which it describes as funding key allies, countering adversaries, refocusing foreign assistance on U.S. interests, and increasing oversight of foreign aid spending.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Edwards voted to pass the FY27 National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs Appropriations Bill to strengthen America's national security and support key allies. The FY27 National Security and State Department bill strengthens America's position abroad by supporting key allies like Israel, Taiwan, Jordan, and Egypt while confronting threats from Communist China, Iran, drug cartels, and other adversaries. The legislation refocuses foreign assistance on advancing U.S. national security and economic interests, while ensuring our international partners do their fair share. Additionally, the bill cuts wasteful spending, increases oversight of foreign assistance programs, and ensures taxpayer dollars are spent on policies and programs that make America safer, stronger, and more prosperous. As Vice Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, Congressman Edwards played a key role in advancing the legislation through the appropriations process. "America's foreign policy should put the interests of the American people first,” said Congressman Edwards.“This bill strengthens our national security, supports our allies, counters our adversaries, and ensures taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly. As Vice Chairman of the National Security and State Department Appropriations Subcommittee, I'm proud to help advance legislation that reinforces America's leadership abroad while demanding greater accountability for every dollar we spend.” ###

Edwards Advances All 12 FY27 Appropriations Bills Through Committee

Position: The release states that the House Appropriations Committee completed FY27 markups and advanced all 12 annual appropriations bills, and that the bills fund national defense, energy security, agriculture, rural development, and infrastructure priorities. The Representative says the work is intended to support Western North Carolina communities recovering from Hurricane Helene.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) announced the House Appropriations Committee has completed Fiscal Year 2027 markups, advancing all 12 annual appropriations bills out of committee. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee and Vice Chairman of the Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, Edwards worked to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly while advancing priorities that strengthen Western North Carolina and the nation. “I’m proud to bring Western North Carolina’s priorities to the table, especially as our mountain communities continue to rebuild after Hurricane Helene,” said Congressman Edwards. “Under Chairman Tom Cole’s leadership, we are delivering real results, supporting our communities, and ensuring Washington is accountable to taxpayers.” The FY27 appropriations bills fund key priorities including national defense, energy security, agriculture, rural development, and infrastructure improvements that support communities throughout NC-11. With committee work now complete, the FY27 appropriations bills will continue moving through the legislative process as Congress works toward final passage and the President’s signature. ###

Edwards Joins Chairman Bost to Introduce Take Care of America's Veterans Act

Position: The release supports comprehensive legislation to improve veterans' access to care, strengthen benefits, modernize VA services, and allow combat-disabled medically retired servicemembers to receive both military retirement pay and VA disability benefits without offset.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) joined House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost (IL-12) to introduce the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act, comprehensive legislation to improve veterans’ access to care, strengthen benefits, and modernize VA services. The package includes reforms to expand health care access, improve mental health and suicide prevention programs, support caregivers and surviving military families, modernize disability claims processing, and strengthen accountability across the VA system. It also includes the Major Richard Star Act to ensure combat-disabled medically retired servicemembers can receive both military retirement pay and VA disability benefits without offset. “Our veterans deserve a VA system that works for them,” said Congressman Edwards. “This legislation improves access to care, strengthens benefits, modernizes outdated systems, and ensures taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly. I’ll continue working to make sure that every veteran in Western North Carolina receives the support and services they’ve earned through their sacrifice and service.” ###

Edwards Works to Lower Post-Disaster Energy Costs

Position: Congressman Edwards supports legislation that allows energy companies to transfer unused clean-energy tax credits to finance disaster recovery and grid rebuilding, with the goal of lowering electricity costs and accelerating infrastructure restoration in disaster-affected communities.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) joined Congressman Greg Steube (FL-17) and Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16) to introduce the Disaster Zone Affordability Investment Act to stimulate local communities and lower electricity costs for communities impacted by natural disasters. This legislation will allow eligible energy companies like Duke Energy to invest in disaster-affected areas by transferring unused clean-energy tax credits from prior years to responsibly finance storm recovery and grid rebuilding in local communities recovering from a natural disaster. In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, more than 3.4 million customers lost power, underscoring the need for faster investment in reliable energy infrastructure. By allowing utilities to monetize existing carryforward tax credits, this bill will reduce financing costs for storm restoration, enable faster reinvestment in damaged infrastructure, and lessen customers' financing costs to restore power sooner and lower electricity bills. “After a disaster, communities need affordable, reliable power to recover and rebuild,” said Congressman Edwards. “This bill puts existing resources to work, encourages private investment, and helps lower energy costs for families and businesses when they need relief most.” ###

Edwards Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Election Integrity

Position: Congressman Edwards introduced legislation to prohibit federal election administration funds in states that permit ballot harvesting, arguing the practice invites abuse and undermines election integrity.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) introduced the No Funds for Ballot Harvesting Act, legislation aimed at strengthening election integrity and protecting free and honest elections. Congressman Edwards said,“Ballot harvesting invites abuse and erodes confidence in our elections. Ballots should move directly from the voter’s hand to the ballot box, with limited, commonsense exceptions for caregivers and family members, not through political middlemen.” The bill amends the Help America Vote Act of 2002 to prohibit the use of federal election administration funds in states that permit ballot harvesting. Ballot harvesting allows third parties to collect and submit ballots on behalf of voters, a practice that raises serious concerns about election security, voter privacy, and the integrity of the secret ballot. Currently, 35 states in the U.S. still allow ballot harvesting. By ensuring taxpayer dollars are not used to support ballot harvesting, the No Funds for Ballot Harvesting Act reinforces safeguards that protect the integrity of each vote and preserve public confidence in our electoral system. “One of the most fundamental rights we enjoy as Americans is the right to vote and choose our own leaders,”Congressman Edwards added.“That right must be protected. The No Funds for Ballot Harvesting Act helps ensure every American can cast a ballot freely, privately, and with confidence that our elections are secure.” ###

Edwards Urges Leadership to Bring the FEMA Act to the Floor

Position: Congressman Edwards urges House leadership to bring H.R. 4669, the FEMA Act, to the floor for a vote. The bill streamlines federal disaster assistance applications, increases upfront financial support to state and local governments, accelerates recovery timelines, and strengthens disaster preparedness and resilience.

WASHINGTON, D.C.– Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) urged House leadership to bring H.R. 4669, the Fixing Emergency Management for Americans (FEMA) Act, to the House floor for consideration, emphasizing the need for faster, fairer disaster recovery for communities still rebuilding after Hurricane Helene. The FEMA Act modernizes and streamlines federal disaster assistance by creating a single, universal application that allows survivors to complete one simplified form when seeking aid. The legislation also reforms FEMA’s Public Assistance program by increasing upfront financial support for state and local governments, clarifying reimbursement requirements, and accelerating long-term recovery timelines. Finally, the bill strengthens disaster preparedness and resilience through provisions that support utility resiliency, preserve local flexibility in building codes, and provide resources to help homeowners reinforce existing structures against future disasters. This comprehensive legislation incorporates several Edwards-led bipartisan reforms to address the unique recovery challenges facing Western North Carolina, including: Disaster Survivors Fairness Act — Streamlines the FEMA application process and improves coordination among federal agencies to better serve disaster survivors. Fair Disaster Assistance Act — Protects federal disaster assistance applicants by ensuring FEMA does not issue premature denial notices before a final decision has been made regarding their insurance claim for disaster-related losses. Promoting Resilient Buildings Act — Expands the definition of building codes to prevent burdens on states, homebuilders, and local municipalities and promoting more resilient buildings to ensure they are prepared in the event of a natural disaster. Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities for All Act — Reinstates and reforms the BRIC program to ensure rural communities have fair access to hazard mitigation funding. “When Hurricane Helene hit our mountain communities last year, our region was devastated. Over the past year, we’ve seen the importance of well-run emergency management and disaster relief services and the impact they have on getting communities back on their feet. The FEMA Act implements what disaster-impacted communities like ours have been asking for: less red tape, clearer rules, and faster help,” said Congressman Edwards. “These reforms will make FEMA more responsive and ensure communities have the tools they need to rebuild stronger and recover faster. I urge House leadership to bring this bill to the floor so it can move forward.” Full list of signatories on the letter include: Bacon, Don; Begich, Nicholas; Bell, Wesley; Bergman, Jack; Bilirakis, Gus; Bishop, Sanford; Bresnahan, Robert; Bynum, Janelle; Cammack, Kat; Carbajal, Salud; Carter, Earl; Davis, Donald; Dunn, Neal; Edwards, Chuck; Ezell, Mike; Figures, Shomari; Fitzpatrick, Brian; Foushee, Valerie; Friedman, Laura; Fry, Russell; Garcia, Robert; Gillen, Laura; Harrigan, Pat; Harshbarger, Diana; Hoyle, Val; Huizenga, Bill; Jackson, Jonathan; Kiley, Kevin; King-Hinds, Kimberlyn; LaLota, Nick; Lee, Laurel; McDonald Rivet, Kristen; McDowell, Addison; Miller, Carol; Moore, Tim; Moskowitz, Jared; Moulton, Seth; Moylan, James; Nadler, Jerrold; Pappas, Chris; Ross, Deborah; Rouzer, David; Scholten, Hillary; Schrier, Kim; Soto, Darren; Stauber, Pete; Suozzi, Thomas; Timmons, William; Vasquez, Gabe; Wilson, Joe. The full letter can be found here. ###

Edwards Advances Final FY2026 Appropriations Package, Securing Critical Investments in Public Safety, Infrastructure, and Economic Growth

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) voted to advance the final funding package of the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations cycle, including the Defense; Homeland Security; Labor, Health and Human Services, Education; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bills, delivering essential resources that will strengthen public safety, boost economic development, and support long-term resilience for communities across Western North Carolina. Thanks to Republican leadership, Congress avoided the long-standing, irresponsible practice of rushing a must-pass end-of-year omnibus and instead put the appropriations process back on track to proceed through regular order. “This bipartisan funding package ensures we deliver real results for our communities, from safer streets and emergency services to reliable infrastructure and workforce development,”said Congressman Edwards. “By completing all 12 appropriations bills, we are providing the stable, full-year funding families and local leaders asked for while continuing recovery from Hurricane Helene and setting Western North Carolina up for a prosperous future.” The FY2026 appropriations package marks a key milestone in completing Congress’s annual budget work and reflects targeted investments in national defense, homeland security, public health, transportation, education, and community infrastructure that maintain America’s leadership at home and abroad while meeting local needs. Through Member-directed Community Project Funding secured by Congressman Edwards, this legislation includes critical resources for NC-11 priorities: $1.5 million for the Town of Robbinsville to upgrade water distribution lines on Black Knight Way and Dillard Orr Road will ensure reliable service to a new Graham County elementary school, serving about 500 students and existing residents and businesses. $3 million for Madison County to support the construction of a new Emergency Services hub, improving coordination and response for routine needs and major incidents. $3 million for Swain County to upgrade their water system to serve a new middle school in Bryson City, benefiting students, staff, and the surrounding community. $3 million for Buncombe County to build a 10,000-square-foot EMS base at the Owen Pool site, enhancing emergency medical capacity for eastern Buncombe County. $2.5 million for the Asheville Regional Airport to construct a new west-side taxiway, supporting current operations and future economic growth tied to transportation infrastructure. This package delivers necessary resources for the region, especially for communities still rebuilding after Hurricane Helene’s devastation. Federal support through full-year appropriations eliminates the uncertainty of short-term extensions and empowers local leaders to plan with confidence. “These investments go beyond individual projects — they strengthen our mountain towns, support local first responders, and expand opportunities for families and businesses,”Edwards added. “I will continue working to ensure Western North Carolina’s needs are met.” ###

Edwards Introduces the VET Connect Act Alongside Congresswoman Budzinski

Position: Congressman Edwards and Congresswoman Budzinski introduced legislation to direct the VA to establish a secure, opt-in database and messaging platform enabling veterans to reconnect with former service members based on shared service history while preserving privacy controls.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chuck Edwards (NC-11) introduced the VET Connect Act with Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) to direct the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to establish a secure, privacy-preserving database and messaging platform that enables veterans to reconnect with fellow service members with whom they served without requiring the disclosure of personal contact information. This legislation requires the VA to both create and maintain this system on an opt-in basis, allowing verified veterans to reconnect based on shared service history, including their unit, deployment, dates of service, and more. To preserve their privacy, veterans can change their visibility settings, restrict or block communications, opt out entirely, or delete their information at any time. “Many of our nation’s heroes return from the line of duty with invisible injuries and mental health challenges that can make it hard to connect with life outside of the service. The implementation of a communications database and messaging platform will reduce isolation, improve mental health outcomes, and strengthen online safety in the veteran community,” said Congressman Edwards. “The brave men and women who face immense challenges even long after they return from the battlefield deserve support. Legislation like the VET Connect Act is a step in the right direction, ensuring they aren’t fighting alone.” "Our veterans develop bonds through shared experiences with their fellow service members -- relationships few outside the military can fully relate to. Too often, however, those ties fade once service ends. This straightforward, bipartisan legislation would create a secure, privacy-protected database to help veterans reconnect with one another, strengthening support networks and reinforcing a lasting sense of community. It is one simple but meaningful way to thank them for the sacrifices they have made to protect our freedoms and to ensure they have the support they need to thrive in civilian life,”said Congresswoman Budzinski. For the full text of the bill, please click here. ### Issues:Veterans