The report also cited vacations, performance tickets and one-on-one dinners, characterizing the conduct as "beyond norms of professional behavior." "That Representative Edwards did all these things to two young staffers, repeatedly over a sustained period, was beyond inappropriate," the committee added. "The committee's findings exonerate Representative Edwards," his attorneys argued, contending that the proposed punishment relies on broad standards regarding workplace conduct rather than direct evidence of sexual harassment. Earlier this year, Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell of California and Republican Representative Tony Gonzales of Texas stepped down after facing separate controversies and calls for disciplinary action. Together, the cases have fueled renewed debate over accountability, workplace conduct and ethical standards for members of Congress.