Fetterman urges Senate to remove Menendez over foreign agent accusations.
Senator Fetterman Calls for Expulsion of Senator Menendez
Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania, a Democrat, has urged the Senate to expel Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey following the latter’s additional federal charges, which accuse him of acting as a foreign agent. Fetterman, who was the first senator to call for Menendez’s resignation when he and his wife were indicted on bribery charges, made this statement after the new indictment was announced on Thursday.
“Senator Menendez should not be a U.S. Senator. He should have been gone long ago,” Fetterman stated. “It is time for every one of my colleagues in the Senate to join me in expelling Senator Menendez. We cannot have an alleged foreign agent in the United States Senate. This is not a close call.”
While more than half of Senate Democrats have already called for Menendez’s resignation, Fetterman is the first to advocate for expulsion. It remains to be seen if the latest charges will sway those who were previously hesitant to support resignation or if those already calling for Menendez to step aside will back the expulsion.
Expelling Menendez would require two-thirds support in the Senate, which is unlikely due to the Democrats’ slim majority and opposition from the GOP. Additionally, the fact that 20 Senate Democrats, including Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, believe Menendez should have the opportunity to fight the charges poses another obstacle.
The federal prosecutors have accused Menendez and his wife, Nadine Arslanian Menendez, of using the senator’s position on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to gain favors from donors and benefit the Egyptian government in exchange for money, gold bars, and other valuables. Menendez, who had to step down from his committee chairmanship after the previous indictment, has dismissed these charges as part of a smear campaign and has vowed to fight them. All five co-defendants in the case have pleaded not guilty, and Menendez is currently out on a $100,000 bond.
Menendez and his wife have not yet entered a plea for the new charges, but the senator stated, ”I have been, throughout my life, loyal to only one country — the United States of America, the land my family chose to live in democracy and freedom.”
During a White House press briefing, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby declined to comment when asked if the Biden administration has considered conducting an assessment.
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What are the allegations against Senator Menendez regarding his actions as a foreign agent?
Senator Menendez. We cannot afford to have a member of our legislative body who has been indicted on multiple charges and accused of acting as a foreign agent. This is not the representation that the people of New Jersey or the United States deserve.”
Fetterman’s call for the expulsion of Menendez comes after the release of a new indictment by federal prosecutors. The charges against Menendez allege that he used his position as a U.S. Senator to benefit a wealthy donor in exchange for gifts and political contributions. These charges are in addition to the previous bribery charges that Menendez and his wife faced, which were ultimately dropped in 2018.
The allegations of Menendez acting as a foreign agent raise serious concerns about his loyalty to the United States. As a senator, it is crucial that one’s allegiance lies solely with the country and its citizens. The fact that Menendez is facing charges related to acting on behalf of a foreign entity undermines the trust and confidence that the American people should have in their elected officials.
Furthermore, the ongoing legal battles faced by Menendez distract from the important work that needs to be done in Congress. With so many pressing issues facing our nation, it is essential that we have senators who are fully committed to serving the interests of their constituents and advancing the progress of our country. Menendez’s legal troubles only serve as a distraction and hinder the legislative process.
Expelling Menendez from the Senate would send a strong message that corruption and unethical behavior will not be tolerated in our government. It would demonstrate that the Senate holds its members to the highest standards of integrity and that those who violate the public’s trust will face severe consequences.
Some may argue that Senator Menendez is innocent until proven guilty and that he should be allowed to continue serving until the legal process is completed. However, it is important to remember that expulsion from the Senate is not a criminal punishment. It is a political decision made by the elected representatives of the people. If the allegations against Menendez are proven true, it is only fitting that he be removed from office.
In conclusion, Senator John Fetterman’s call for the expulsion of Senator Bob Menendez is a necessary step to uphold the integrity of the Senate and restore public trust in our government. Menendez’s multiple indictments and the serious nature of the charges against him make it clear that he is no longer fit to serve as a senator. It is time for his colleagues in the Senate to stand up for what is right and join Fetterman in calling for his expulsion.
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