Politics
Fetterman renews call to expel Menendez after latest bribery charges
By Jake Beardslee · January 4, 2024
In brief…
- Sen. John Fetterman has renewed calls for Sen. Bob Menendez to be expelled from the Senate after latest bribery charges.
- Menendez was indicted in September for allegedly acting as agent for Egypt; new charges relate to Qatar lobbying.
- Fetterman argues Menendez's actions were more serious than lies by Rep. George Santos, who was expelled.
- Menendez denies wrongdoing, says prosecutors lack proof; his attorney calls it a "persecution."
- Scrutiny comes as Menendez seeks fourth term in 2024 Senate race.
Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) has renewed his calls for the expulsion of Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) following the latest federal bribery charges against the New Jersey lawmaker. Menendez was indicted in September on charges he acted as an unregistered agent for Egypt in exchange for gifts and campaign donations. This week, prosecutors unveiled a superseding indictment alleging Menendez also lobbied on behalf of Qatar in return for bribes.
Fetterman believes Menendez should be expelled from the Senate given the serious and specific nature of the allegations. “Now, accused of selling his honor and our nation for a $24,000 watch,” Fetterman wrote on social media. “Accused as a foreign agent for two nations. How much more before we finally expel [Sen. Menendez]?” Fetterman argues that if Rep. George Santos (R-N.Y.) was expelled for lying, Menendez should also be forced out for more serious corruption charges. “I think the more important picture is that we have a colleague in the Senate that has actually did more sinister and serious kinds of things,” Fetterman said in a recent TV appearance on “The View”.
Menendez’s attorney says the government lacks proof and is turning the case into “a persecution, not a prosecution,” Fox News Digital reported. The senator denies wrongdoing in his dealings with Qatar, Egypt and other countries.