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US Democratic Senator Bob Menendez, going through bribery expenses alongside his spouse, asserted his innocence and declared his intent to stay in Congress, a call that contradicts requires his resignation from New Jersey officers, together with the state’s Democratic governor.
This transfer by Menendez may doubtlessly complicate his celebration’s efforts to take care of its slim 51-49 majority within the Senate, though New Jersey has not elected a Republican Senator since 1972.
Whereas briefly stepping down from his function as chairman of the influential Senate Overseas Relations Committee, Senate Democratic guidelines mandate that any member charged with a felony should relinquish their management place, with the opportunity of resuming it if they’re later discovered not responsible.
Menendez, 69, in his first public assertion for the reason that expenses have been filed, firmly denied any wrongdoing and expressed confidence that he wouldn’t solely be cleared but additionally proceed serving as New Jersey’s senior senator.
US prosecutors alleged that Menendez accepted bribes, together with gold bars and lots of of 1000’s of {dollars} in money, in alternate for utilizing his affect to help the Egyptian authorities and impede regulation enforcement investigations regarding three businessmen.
As a part of the prosecution’s case, they search the forfeiture of Menendez’s belongings, which embrace his residence, a 2019 Mercedes-Benz convertible, and $566,000 in money, gold bars, and checking account funds. Menendez argued that the money present in his residence was withdrawn from his accounts and saved for emergencies.
Menendez defended his observe file in holding international locations, comparable to Egypt, accountable for human rights abuses. He highlighted his constant stance all through his profession and didn’t reply to reporters’ questions.
This investigation marks the third time that Menendez has been scrutinised by federal prosecutors, though he has by no means been convicted. Menendez, his spouse, and the implicated businessmen are scheduled to look in Manhattan federal courtroom quickly.
The costs they face carry a possible sentence of as much as 45 years in jail, however judges in such instances usually impose sentences under the utmost penalty.
Menendez, the son of Cuban immigrants, has been a outstanding determine in international coverage discussions, often at odds together with his personal celebration. He has criticised the Obama administration’s strikes to ease relations with Cuba and the US-Iran nuclear deal.
Moreover, Menendez has been concerned in varied unsuccessful makes an attempt to reform the US immigration system.
