Pennsylvania Democratic Senator John Fetterman continues to challenge his colleague, Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey, who is currently embroiled in a series of corruption and bribery charges.
Fetterman has been a vocal critic of Menendez since the indictments were issued.
In an attempt to address this issue, Fetterman is set to introduce a measure aimed at Menendez and other lawmakers who may find themselves in similar predicaments.
Next week, Fetterman is anticipated to push for a vote on a resolution that would prohibit lawmakers indicted on national security matters from participating in classified briefings.
This legislative move is a response to Menendez's indictment on federal bribery charges in September of the previous year. Fetterman has been one of the most outspoken critics of the New Jersey senator.
In a recent interview with CNN, Fetterman stated, We should have chucked that sleazeball long ago, referring to Menendez. But now, were looking to move my resolution to the floor, and Im going to call on unanimous consent so we can stop any senator that is being accused of being a foreign agent attending classified briefings.
While Democrats were initially slow to criticize Menendez following his indictment, Fetterman was the first Democratic senator to demand Menendez's resignation.
Menendez has been implicated in a series of indictments, suggesting he leveraged his senatorial influence to grant favors to various businessmen and the Egyptian government in return for cash, gold bars, and even a new car. He is also accused of violating the Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA).
Damien Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District, outlined the bribery offenses:
The indictment alleges that Menendez and his wife accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for Menendez using his power and influence to protect and enrich certain businessmen and benefit the Egyptian government. The indictment alleges that Hana, Uribe, and Daibes provided bribes in the form of cash, gold, home mortgage payments, a no-show job for Nadine Menendez, a Mercedes Benz, and other things of value to the senator and his wife.
Williams emphasized that as a senator, Menendez cannot compel an agency to act in someones favor, influence matters involving a private business, or get involved in criminal matters or cases. However, the U.S. Attorneys Office alleges that Menendez was doing those things for certain people.
Menendez has denied these allegations.
The charges against Menendez raise broader national security concerns. Allowing such an individual access to sensitive information could pose a significant risk. Critics may argue that the resolution contradicts the principle of innocent until proven guilty, a reason cited by other Democrats for not expelling Menendez from the Senate.
However, this is not necessarily about convicting the lawmaker of a crime; it's about safeguarding national security. Those entrusted with sensitive information should be beyond reproach. Yet, given the response of Fettermans colleagues to the allegations against Menendez, it appears likely that they will vote down this resolution.
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