Two prominent House Republicans, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-Fla.) and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who last month played key roles in the ousting of colleagues over similar issues, are now turning their attention to GOP Rep. Chuck Edwards of North Carolina. Edwards is under scrutiny by the Ethics Committee for allegedly engaging in an improper relationship with a subordinate and for accusations of sexually harassing staff members.

"ANY member of Congress engaging in an inappropriate relationship with staff needs to go," stated Rep. Luna, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations against Edwards. Rep. Mace echoed this sentiment in her statement, asserting, "We stand with those who came forward and we expect the Ethics Committee to move swiftly and hold those who committed wrongdoing fully accountable."

Edwards has denied the allegations, describing them as "baseless" and suggesting they are politically motivated to influence his re-election campaign. "We welcome the ethics inquiry because it allows for facts to be entered into the record, not public allegations designed to drive media interests," Edwards commented on Tuesday.

The investigation by the Ethics Committee, confirmed by sources who chose to remain anonymous, is part of a broader reckoning on Capitol Hill over misconduct. This scrutiny follows the forced resignations of Reps. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Tony Gonzales (R-Texas) last month, both of whom faced investigations into improper conduct with staffers. Gonzales admitted to an affair, whereas Swalwell denied allegations of sexual assault but acknowledged lapses in judgment.

Adding to Edwards' woes, several senior Republicans have reportedly been distancing themselves from him, with some avoiding public appearances or photographs with the embattled lawmaker as the allegations surfaced.

The House Ethics Committee has not yet formed a subcommittee to formally begin the investigation process against Edwards. A committee spokesperson declined to comment on the ongoing inquiry. However, details have emerged that the investigation concerns not only the alleged improper relationship but also additional claims of harassment, including inappropriate gifts such as a poem, a puzzle, and flowers to a staff member.

This case emerges as part of a larger movement towards transparency and accountability on Capitol Hill, highlighted by Rep. Mace's push for a resolution to publicly disclose sexual harassment claims against lawmakers, which was ultimately defeated in the House. Nonetheless, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has taken steps to subpoena information regarding government-paid settlements of sexual harassment allegations.

Rep. Mace, who is currently running for governor of South Carolina, has made advocacy for women and transparency in government a central theme of her campaign. "The corruption and misconduct in Congress goes far deeper than anyone outside Washington knows," Mace stated, underscoring the gravity and breadth of the issues at stake.