In a pivotal development, the U.S. Senate Ethics Committee has initiated a review process that might culminate in the expulsion of Senator Bob Menendez. The committee’s leaders, Chris Coons and James Lankford, signaled on Monday that they expect to expedite their review.
Menendez, who was convicted of corruption charges last week, faces mounting pressure to resign, with calls coming from New Jersey’s governor and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Despite these demands, Menendez has remained steadfast, announcing his intention to appeal his conviction on 16 counts, including bribery.
The case against Menendez centers on allegations that he and his wife accepted cash, gold bars, and luxury payments from three New Jersey businessmen. In exchange, Menendez is accused of directing U.S. aid to Egypt, benefiting one of these businessmen with ties to Egyptian officials.
As Menendez runs for reelection as an independent, the Democratic Party has already endorsed U.S. Representative Andy Kim as a candidate for his seat in the upcoming November elections.
