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Following the recent corruption indictment of New Jersey Democrat Sen. Bob Menendez, Texas Democrats in Congress have initiated calls for his resignation.
“He absolutely deserves the full extent of due process as anyone accused of a crime does, but I’m a big believer in preserving the integrity of our institution and making sure that we do everything possible not to lose the public’s trust,” U.S. Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-El Paso, said Tuesday night in a brief interview. “I do believe he should step down.”
U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Austin, expressed that he joins numerous Senators and members of Congress in acknowledging Senator Menendez’s long-standing commitment to public service. He suggests that it is now time for Senator Menendez to consider a dignified departure in the best interest of the public.
Last week, Menendez and his wife Nadine were indicted by federal prosecutors on charges of accepting bribes. These bribes allegedly included a luxury car, substantial amounts of cash, and gold, all in exchange for assisting the Egyptian government. Menendez vehemently denies these allegations and asserts that he is being unfairly targeted due to his Latino heritage.
However, Escobar, who is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, expressed skepticism regarding the involvement of ethnicity in the charges upon reading the indictment.
Escobar stated, “While I fully acknowledge the existence of bias in our system, I personally do not perceive it in this particular case.”
Escobar and Casar are among the first in the caucus to call for Menendez’s resignation. U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, D-New York, asked for Menendez to step down during a Sunday interview on “Face the Nation.”
Throughout the week, numerous Democrats, including key figures such as New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Senator Cory Booker, have joined in urging for Menendez’s resignation. These individuals are not only close allies of the senator but also represent his home state.
In a statement on Tuesday, Booker clarified that stepping down from public office does not imply guilt, but rather recognizes the significant personal sacrifices required in serving the public. Senator Menendez has previously made these sacrifices and, in this instance, must do so once more.
However, the issue has not yet received input from other members of the CHC. Menendez often collaborates with Latino House Democrats, particularly those from Texas, on various matters such as border control, immigration, housing, and combating Spanish-language misinformation. Menendez holds the highest position as a Latino representative in Congress. It is worth noting that Menendez’s son, U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez, Jr., is also a member of the CHC.
According to Escobar, Sen. Menendez possesses an impressive track record of achievements and accomplishments. She expressed her deep concern for his children, considering their wellbeing to be the most saddening aspect.
U.S. Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-McAllen, a CHC member, said in a text message: “Although the language of the indictment is clearly disturbing. And the U.S. Federal criminal system is very reliable. I still believe in due process & think we should allow the case to take its course.”
Other Texas members of the caucus, including Reps. Joaquin Castro of San Antonio, Henry Cuellar of Laredo and Sylvia R. Garcia of Houston, didn’t comment when asked about the indictment.
Garcia and Castro were among the Texas Democrats who were vocal in calling for Attorney General Ken Paxton to be removed from office after the Texas House charged him on 16 articles of impeachment related to alleged bribery. Paxton has also been under federal indictment since 2015 over securities fraud charges. The Texas Senate acquitted Paxton on all counts largely on party lines earlier this month.
Menendez has relinquished his position as the head of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, adhering to the Senate Democratic Caucus regulations that prohibit a senator facing indictment from assuming a committee leadership role.
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