WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey will address his Democratic colleagues at a closed-door meeting Thursday amid growing calls for his resignation in the wake of a federal indictment.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said Wednesday he was “deeply disappointed and concerned” after reading the indictment that charged Menendez with conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit forthright services fraud and conspiracy to commit extortion. under the guise of official law.
“Listen, I’ve known Senator Menendez for a very long time, and it’s been really disheartening,” Schumer said. “But we all know there are much, much higher standards for senators. And clearly, when you read the indictment, Senator Menendez fell well below that standard. He’ll give a speech to the Democratic caucus tomorrow and we’ll see what happens after that.”
Menendez pleaded not guilty to bribery and corruption charges filed in New York federal court on Wednesday morning, according to the New Jersey Monitor.
Senator Menendez pleads not guilty to charges of corruption and bribery
He was released on $100,000 bail and had to surrender his personal passport, although he is still allowed to travel abroad on official government business. He is also banned from contacting his co-defendants except his wife, Nadine.
Senate Democrats call for resignation
after the indictment became public Friday, Menendez he stepped aside momentarily from the position of chairman of the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee.
Initially, only Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman called on Menendez to resign from the Senate, but the number of Senate Democrats urging him to leave office increased significantly this week.
On Wednesday afternoon, nearly 30 Senate Democrats called on Menendez to resign.
https://www.penncapital-star.com/blog/fetterman-calls-for-menendez-to-resign/
Democratic Washington state Sen. Patty Murray, who also serves as Senate president pro tempore, said Wednesday that if Menendez does not resign, the Senate Ethics Committee should launch an investigation.
“The allegations against Senator Menendez are extremely serious and the details revealed are deeply disturbing. While Senator Menendez is entitled to a trial, I believe he should step aside and focus on his legal defense,” Murray said.
Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen said Wednesday that while Menendez is innocent until proven guilty, he should no longer hold the title of U.S. senator.
“Working with Senator Menendez in the Senate, I have seen his hard work on behalf of the people of New Jersey,” Van Hollen said.
“Now that he faces serious, specific and deeply disturbing criminal charges, he is entitled to the presumption of innocence and due process,” Van Hollen said. “However, as a public official, he has a duty to uphold the public trust and protect the integrity of the Senate institution, so it is best if he steps down.”
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