Democrats Hit by Corruption Scandals: Menendez and Cuellar Bribery Instances Revealed

• Magali Rosa Meijers

  Washington Bureau

The Democrats within the US are stricken by corruption scandals. Two members of Congress are mentioned to have been bribed by international governments in alternate for info and affect on laws.

For instance, Consultant Henry Cuellar (68) is claimed to have accepted tons of bribes from Azerbaijan and a Mexican financial institution. And in New York, the trial towards Senator Bob Menendez (70) started yesterday, from which gold bars, tons of cash and a luxurious Mercedes that was transformed have been discovered.

The case is a couple of politician who “put his energy up on the market,” prosecutors mentioned. In line with his legal professionals, the complete case relies on “revenue and hypothesis.” If the kickoff is an indication of the method to return, will probably be lengthy, advanced and fascinating. For many years, the senator performed a key position in shaping American international coverage and was one of many -the most influential Latino politician within the US.

As chairman of the Senate International Relations Committee, Menendez is claimed to have used his energy and affect to curry favor with different international locations. For instance, it’s mentioned that he favored the governments of Egypt and Qatar. In return, it’s mentioned that the senator in New Jersey acquired bribes and presents. There are a complete of eighteen costs towards Menendez.

His spouse, Nadine Menendez (56), is accused of being concerned in acts of corruption. She was mentioned to be a hyperlink between her husband and people searching for political favors. Each declare they’re harmless.

Tons of cash and gold bars have been discovered within the couple’s dwelling. Within the storage was a luxurious convertible Mercedes, maybe a present for political favor.

Menendez throws his spouse below the bus and says he had no data of the gold bars in his home. “The proof will present that Nadine hid her monetary issues from Bob,” his lawyer predicts.

A member of Congress is prohibited from appearing as a international agent to keep away from conflicts of curiosity. Prosecutors say Menendez was conscious of this legislation however did it anyway. If somebody works as a international agent, that should even be registered, one thing that had not occurred. The method is anticipated to take six to eight weeks.

Menendez has already resigned as chairman of the Senate International Relations Committee. Nonetheless, he refuses to resign as senator, regardless of stress from dozens of colleagues from his personal get together. In an earlier assertion, he introduced that he wouldn’t run for re-election as a Democrat.

This isn’t the primary time that the New Jersey Democrat has been accused of corruption. He was beforehand notorious for allegedly receiving presents from a rich ophthalmologist in alternate for political favors. That case was dismissed in 2017. No US senator has ever been impeached twice for corruption.

Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar was additionally indicted earlier this month corruption. The politician’s spouse can be suspected of being concerned on this case. The couple is claimed to have acquired practically $600,000 from an Azerbaijani oil and gasoline firm and a Mexican financial institution.

In return, Cuellar is claimed to have used his energy to direct US coverage for Azerbaijan and the Mexican financial institution. The politician, like Menendez, shouldn’t be a international agent, however he additionally says that he’s harmless. It isn’t but recognized when the trial will start.

The Democrats accused of corruption are additionally Latino. Regardless of the similarities, colleagues don’t deal with members of Congress equally. Each are members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC), a bunch inside Congress made up of Latino members. The CHC is giving Congressman Cuellar the advantage of the doubt, nevertheless it appears he’s turning his again on Senator Menendez. They don’t wish to elaborate on the distinction in remedy.

Though this looks like a great alternative for the Republicans to assault the get together that opposes them, this hardly occurs thus far. Cuellar even receives help from sure quarters. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will let it slide Social actuality name to help the Democratic Congress. Cuellar is on the conservative facet inside his get together. For instance, he’s an advocate for stricter border safety, a place that Trump additionally strongly desires to have.

The timing of the corruption circumstances is unlucky for Democrats, who’re significantly eager to attract consideration to Trump’s impeachment. Particularly in an election yr, when not solely the presidential elections are necessary, but additionally who controls the bulk in Congress.