US Democratic Senator Robert Menendez, accused of bribery with his wife, announced that he will temporarily step down from his position as Chairman of the Senate International Relations Committee. This was announced by Democratic Senate President Chuck Schumer.
Menendez and his wife Nadine are accused of accepting money, gold, a luxury car and mortgage payments in exchange for influence. They are said to have concluded such agreements with the Egyptian authorities, among others. The two are likely to appear before a judge on Wednesday.
Justice in New Jersey has been investigating the couple for some time. During a search last summer, federal agents found documents confirming the bribery: $480,000 (about 450,000 euros) in cash hidden in envelopes in clothes, closets and a safe, and gold bars in Menendez’s home worth $100,000 (about 94,000 euros). They also found a luxury Mercedes convertible in the garage, said to have been paid for by Menendez by one of three New Jersey businessmen who arranged the “payments” on behalf of Egyptian authorities.
Menendez and his wife deny the allegations.
No more Senate committee chair
“Until that matter is cleared up,” Schumer said, Menendez will no longer serve as chairman of the Senate International Relations Committee. The head of that committee plays an important role in President Joe Biden’s foreign policy, for example when it comes to mobilizing support for Ukraine. According to the prosecutor, Menendez may have abused his position as head of that committee in the bribery case.
Senate President Schumer notes that Menendez “has the right to a fair trial” in the near future. There are currently no indications that he intends to give up his seat in the Senate.
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