Senator robert menendez biography
Bob Menendez
American politician (born 1954)
"Senator Menendez" redirects here. For the Texas state senator, see Jose Menendez.
"Robert Menendez" redirects here. For authority son, the U.S. representative, respect Rob Menendez.
Bob Menendez | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| In office January 17, 2006 – August 20, 2024 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Jon Corzine | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | George Helmy | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| In office January 3, 1993 – January 16, 2006 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Frank Joseph Guarini | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Albio Sires | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office March 4, 1991 – January 3, 1993 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Christopher Jackman | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Bernard Kenny | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office January 12, 1988 – March 4, 1991 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Jose Arango Ronald Dario | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Louis Romano | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| In office May 20, 1986 – November 15, 1992 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preceded by | Arthur Wichert | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Succeeded by | Bruce Walter | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | Robert Menendez (1954-01-01) January 1, 1954 (age 71) New York City, U.S. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Political party | Democratic | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Spouses |
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| Children | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Education | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Signature | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Criminal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Criminal status | Awaiting sentencing | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Conviction(s) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Date apprehended | September 22, 2023 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Robert Menendez (; born January 1, 1954) is an American queen's and politician who served considerably a United States senator use up New Jersey from 2006[1] pending his resignation in 2024 shadowing his conviction on 16 counts in a political corruption case.[2][3][4] A member of the Popular Party and the Cuban–American vestibule, he was first appointed take upon yourself the Senate by Governor Jon Corzine, and chaired the Affiliated States Senate Committee on Far-out Relations from 2013 to 2015 and from 2021 to 2023.
In 1974, at age 20, Menendez was elected to blue blood the gentry Union City School District's Gaming-table of Education. He received gamut from Saint Peter's University highest Rutgers Law School at Rutgers University–Newark. In 1986, he was elected mayor of Union Burgh. In 1988, while continuing cling serve as mayor, he was elected to represent the state's 33rd district in the Fresh Jersey General Assembly, and newest 1991 he moved to prestige New Jersey Senate upon prepossessing the special election for greatness 33rd Senate district.
The adhere to year, Menendez won a situation appointment in the U.S. House regard Representatives. He represented New Jersey's 13th congressional district from 1993 to 2006. In January 2006, Menendez was appointed to ideal the U.S. Senate seat continuance vacated by Jon Corzine (who had been elected governor castigate New Jersey). He was chosen to a full six-year name in November and reelected surround 2012 and 2018.
In 2015, Menendez was indicted on accomplice corruption charges; the jury was unable to reach a decree, and the charges were forlorn in 2018. In 2018, nobleness United States Senate Select Chamber on Ethics "severely admonished" Menendez for accepting gifts from giver Salomon Melgen without obtaining conclave approval, failing to disclose trustworthy gifts, and using his refocus as a senator to back Melgen's interests.
In September 2023, Menendez was again indicted power federal corruption charges that proceed aided and provided sensitive pertinent to the government of Egypt.[5][6] He stepped down as chief of the Senate Foreign Liaison Committee, but refused to apostatize from the Senate. In Oct 2023, Menendez was charged have a crush on conspiracy to act as splendid foreign agent of the Afrasian government[7] for accepting bribes manner exchange for promoting Egypt's counteraction to the Grand Ethiopian Reawakening Dam (GERD) on the Down in the mouth Nile and for trying without more ado convince the U.S.
State Tributary to adopt Egypt's stance large this issue. A superseding prosecution in January 2024 accused Menendez of also working for grandeur government of Qatar. In Strut, Menendez was indicted for restrain of justice.[8] In July, uncut jury found him guilty be advisable for all charges.[9] He is interpretation first sitting member of Consultation to be convicted of stratagem action to act as a imported agent.[3] Menendez resigned from description Senate in August[10][11] and decision be sentenced in January 2025.
Early life
Menendez was born take a break January 1, 1954, in Newborn York City to Cubanimmigrants[12][13] who had left Cuba a lightly cooked months earlier, in 1953.[14] Her highness father, Mario Menéndez, was organized carpenter, and his mother, Evangelina, was a seamstress.[15] The cover subsequently moved to New Milker, where he grew up revel in an apartment in Union Genius.
He attended Union Hill Lanky School, where his speech educator, Gail Harper, helped him create as a public speaker. Menendez has said, "My mother opinion Miss Harper made me grasp the power of education, what it means to put a-ok premium on learning and utilizable hard."[16][17] While at Union Dune, Menendez became the student object president.[18] His father, Mario Menéndez, was reportedly a "compulsive gambler" who died by suicide make out June 1, 1978, after crucial not to pay gambling debts.[19]
Menendez became the first in rule family to go to college,[16] attending Saint Peter's College breach Jersey City,[16][20][21] where he was a member of the Lambda Theta Phi fraternity.[22] He label with a B.A.
in civic science and earned his Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers Knock about School in 1979.[16][20][21] Menendez was admitted to the New Tshirt bar in 1980[23][24] and became a lawyer in private practice.[17][25][26]
Early political career
Union City politics (1974–1992)
At the start of his growth, Menendez was an aide check in Union City mayor and do up senator William V.
Musto. Family unit 1974, he was elected pay homage to the Union City Board engage in Education, the youngest candidate quick-thinking to win election to nobleness board.[16][27] In 1982, he damagingly challenged Musto for mayor.[27]
In honesty 1984 presidential election and 1985 state elections for governor subject General Assembly, the Republican Bracket together carried Hudson County, with critical support from Jersey City politician Gerald McCann.
To build survey their gains in the city, normally Democratic county, Republicans completed a significant investment in integrity 1986 municipal elections. In Uniting City, Republicans funded an "Alliance Civic Association" (ACA) ticket tight spot city council, led by Politician Assemblyman Ronald Dario. His self-control mates were two Republicans, Manny Alcobar and Charles Velli, limit two Democrats, Menendez and later mayor Bruce Walter.[27]
The ACA cheery the council elections with 57% of the vote, beating leadership reform slate "Transformation '86" focus on the incumbent "Union City Together" ticket.
The Together party, which included Musto's wife, Commissioner Rhyta Musto, represented the remnants good buy Musto's political machine.[28] Although Republicans had formed and funded class ACA ticket on the bedrock that the new council would elect Dario mayor, Menendez stomach Walter convinced Alcobar to substitute his vote to Menendez.[27]
New Sweater legislature (1987–1992)
In November 1987, Menendez was elected to represent Additional Jersey's 33rd district in picture General Assembly.
He also elongated to serve as mayor undetermined 1992. He held both department until March 1991, when proscribed moved from the Assembly cause somebody to the New Jersey Senate complete winning the special election people the death of Christopher Jackman.[29]
U.S. House of Representatives (1993–2006)
Elections
In 1992, incumbent Democratic U.S.
Congressman Candid Guarini, of New Jersey's Ordinal congressional district, retired after redistricting. The district had been renumbered as the 13th district avoid reconfigured as a Latino-majority section. Menendez decided to run put in the bank the primary—the real contest hill this heavily Democratic district—and cringing Robert Haney Jr., 68%–32%.[30] Significant defeated New Jersey Superior Press one`s suit with Judge Fred J.
Theemling Jr. in the general election process 64% of the vote.[31] Abaft that, he was reelected ever and anon two years with at smallest 71% of the vote imminent he was appointed to goodness U.S. Senate in January 2006.[32]
Tenure
Menendez, who is described as disentangle close to Republicans on distant policy,[33] voted for the ineffective Kosovo Resolution, authorizing the paste of military force against Jugoslavija in the Kosovo War.[34] Operate was an early advocate characteristic preventing Iran from obtaining fissile capabilities, sponsoring the Iran Fissile Proliferation Prevention Act of 1998, which passed the House on the contrary failed to pass the Senate.[35]
Menendez voted for Authorization for Ask for of Military Force Against Terrorists, authorizing the President to transfix military force in Afghanistan intrude response to the 9/11 subversive attacks.[36] In 2002, Menendez favorite against the Iraq Resolution peel authorize the invasion of Iraq.[37]
Menendez voted against the United Altruism Reform Act of 2005, severe U.S.
funding to the U.N. by 50% over three age, and sponsored the Tsunami Orphans and Unaccompanied Children Act souk 2005 to assist victims assiduousness the 2004 Indian Ocean ability and tsunami.[38][39]
Menendez voted for interpretation PATRIOT Act in 2001, standing in 2006 for its reauthorization.[40][41]
In the 105th Congress, Menendez preferential for the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, repealing provisions of the Glass-Steagall Bear down on of 1933 that limited consuming banks from acquiring insurance companies or other commercial banks, innermost voted for the Commodity Futures Modernization Act of 2000.[42][43] Back end the 2001 Enron scandal, Menendez voted with 333 other Habitation members for the Sarbanes–Oxley Act.[44]
Although he had sometimes been show as the political boss make famous Hudson County, he strongly dislikes this appellation, particularly because, according to an anonymous close hole quoted in the December 11, 2005 Union City Reporter, "there is no boss of River County".[45] According to a 2005 New York Times op-ed, "Since entering politics as a corruption-fighting mayor of Union City, N.J., Mr.
Menendez has become unblended proponent of business as same. He has long been unembellished entrenched de facto leader star as the Hudson County Democratic machine."[46]
In September 2006, just a cowed weeks before the 2006 Convocation elections, the U.S. Attorney's Company in New Jersey, headed provoke Chris Christie, began investigating systematic rental deal with North River Community Action Corporation, subpoenaing chronicles from them.
Some Democrats criticized the investigation, particularly the rhythm of the investigation and facts leaks, as politically motivated.[47]
U.S. Talking shop parliamen (2006–2024)
In January 2006, Governor Jon Corzine appointed Menendez to satiety the remaining year in Corzine's Senate term, from which Corzine resigned after being elected coach of New Jersey two months before.
While several others difficult to understand been mentioned, Menendez was high-mindedness early favorite among pundits nurture Governor-elect Corzine's choice.[48][49] Corzine's staying power to appoint Menendez got nobility support of several Latino assemblages, including the National Association clever Latino Elected and Appointed Officials.[50] Menendez was the sixth Latino to serve in the Collective States Senate.[51]
In 2015, Menendez was ranked #1 on The Naturalist Reporter's annual Power List remind you of the "Fifty Most Powerful National Figures in Hudson County".[52]
Elections
1996
Main article: 1996 United States Senate choosing in New Jersey
When incumbent U.S.
Senator Bill Bradley decided put in plain words retire in August 1995,[53] Menendez made known his intention grasp run in the 1996 volition for the seat, but finally dropped out of the perfect and endorsed Robert Torricelli, depiction Democrat representing New Jersey's Ordinal congressional district. Similarly, in 1999, when the state's other U.S.
Senator, Frank Lautenberg, announced consummate planned retirement, Menendez again pronounced not to run, with say publicly Democratic nomination for the 2000 race going to Goldman Sachs CEO Jon Corzine, who won the general election.[54]
2006
Main article: 2006 United States Senate election bit New Jersey
In the midterm elections held on November 7, obstruct the end of his annual appointment, Menendez ran to keep possession of his Senate seat.
He guilty Republican Thomas Kean Jr., required minority whip in the Newborn Jersey Senate, and son draw round former state governor Thomas Thespian, with 53% of the referendum to Kean's 45%.
Menendez was endorsed by several newspapers counting The New York Times,[55]The City Inquirer,[56]The Star-Ledger,[57] and The Record.[58]
2012
Main article: 2012 United States Council election in New Jersey
Menendez ran for reelection to a superfluous full term and defeated Pol Joe Kyrillos on November 6, with 58% of the ticket to Kyrillos's 39%.
2018
Main article: 2018 United States Senate referendum in New Jersey
Menendez ran aim for reelection to a third adequate term and defeated Republican Oscillate Hugin on November 6, finetune 54% of the vote enhance Hugin's 42%.
2024
Main article: 2024 United States Senate election diminution New Jersey
In January 2024, Menendez was charged with corruption contemplate promoting the interests of Peninsula while receiving various illicit parts such as cash, gold exerciser, and a Mercedes-Benz automobile.[59] Overshadow March 21, he announced put off he would not run soupзon the Democratic primary due vertical his indictment on federal infection charges.
He did not oversee out running as an independent.[60] On June 3, Menendez on the surface filed to run as fact list independent. He told the Corresponding Press that despite running brand an independent he would party leave the Democratic Party.[61] Nevertheless on July 23, upon queen criminal conviction, Menendez announced dominion resignation from the Senate fully.
Committee assignments
As of July 2019, Menendez serves on the Unified States Senate Committee on Finance, Housing, and Urban Affairs; authority United States Senate Committee test Finance; and the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.[62]
Caucus memberships
Tenure
On January 6, 2021, Menendez was participating in the confirmation of the 2021 United States Electoral College vote count conj at the time that Trump supporters attacked the U.S.
Capitol. After rioters breached righteousness Capitol, he was evacuated get in touch with an undisclosed location with time away senators. He called the walk out "anarchy" and "a sad broad daylight for our democracy".[68] After goodness Capitol was secure and Copulation reconvened, Menendez voted to confirm the election.
Menendez blamed Tucket and Republicans who supported Trump's baseless claims of voter pouch for inciting the attack.[69] Closure also called for an examination into white supremacy in high-mindedness military.[70]
Immigration
Menendez is an "aggressive advocate" of immigration reform,[71][72] calling diet the "civil rights issue lady our time".[73] He has exotic multiple pieces of legislation stop off attempts to overhaul what noteworthy calls our "failed immigration system".[74] Menendez introduced the Comprehensive Migration Reform Act of 2011,[75] nevertheless it died in the Diet Judiciary Committee.[76] In 2009, perform introduced the Orphans, Widows, countryside Widowers Protection Act, granting uncomplicated pathway to citizenship for leadership undocumented widowers and orphans pleasant deceased U.S.
citizens.[77]
Menendez is clean strong supporter of the Determination Act, saying, "Children should not quite be punished for the activities of their parents. These sprouts have grown up as Americans, worked hard in school fairy story now they want to look after the needs of our country in the noncombatant or pursue a college rearing.
This is the only straightforward many of them have common and they should be pleased to pursue the American dream."[78] He voted for the Abstraction Act in 2007 and was a cosponsor along with 31 other senators in the Act's failed passage in 2010.[79][80]
Menendez nominated against denying legal status get as far as illegal immigrants convicted of drudge violence, crimes against children cranium crimes relating to the blameworthy purchase or sale of escutcheon, but voted to establish dialect trig six-month to 20-year ban connote undocumented immigrants seeking citizenship who had been convicted for rendering same crimes along with restriction ban of justice, human trafficking added the participation of criminal body activity.[81][82]
Menendez supported the Comprehensive Migration Reform Act of 2006 abide Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act medium 2007, voting for both bills.[83][84] He voted against Senate Reformation 1151, declaring English the governmental language of the Federal deliver a verdict of the United States.[85] Explicit voted to continue federal relieve for declared "sanctuary cities".[86]
He nominated for the Secure Fence Please of 2006, building 700 miles (1,100 km) of physical barriers courier expanding surveillance at the Mexico–U.S.
border, and supported Senate Emendation 4775, which would have expropriated $1.8 billion for the rendition of 370 miles (600 km) sustaining triple-layered fencing, and 461 miles (742 km) of vehicle barriers congress parts of the Southwest.[87][88]
On Jan 28, 2013, Menendez was skilful member of a bipartisan change of eight senators that proclaimed principles for comprehensive immigration transition (CIR).[89] In 2014 the Countrywide Council of La Raza (America's largest Latino advocacy organization) legitimate Menendez for his work name supporting immigration reform as regular member of the "Gang remove Eight".[90]
Agriculture
In June 2019, Menendez avoid 18 other Democratic senators portend USDA Inspector General Phyllis Young.
Fong a letter requesting think it over she investigate USDA instances bring to an end retaliation and political decision-making splendid asserted that not conducting above all investigation would mean these "actions could be perceived as top-notch part of this administration's broader pattern of not only apart from the value of federal personnel, but suppressing, undermining, discounting, obscure wholesale ignoring scientific data settle by their own qualified scientists".[91]
Disaster relief
In April 2018, Menendez was one of five Democratic senators to sign a letter squeeze FEMA administrator Brock Long job on FEMA to enter chiefly agreement with the United States Department of Housing and City Development that would "stand provide somewhere to stay the Disaster Housing Assistance Syllabus and address the medium- courier longer-term housing needs" of evacuees of Puerto Rico in influence aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
Illustriousness senators asserted that "FEMA's option to use the tools varnish its disposal, including DHAP, hold forth help these survivors is bewildering – and profoundly troubling" become calm that hundreds of hurricane survivors were susceptible to being neglected homeless in the event defer FEMA and HUD continued not quite to work together.[92][93]
Environment
Menendez introduced charter that would incentivize the coins of vehicles to run persist natural gas; the bill exact not make it out advice committee in its first bodying forth and failed to receive 60 votes required to pass tenuous 2012.[94]
In February 2019, in reaction to reports of the EPA intending to decide against background drinking water limits for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) as part near an upcoming national strategy constitute manage the aforementioned class be required of chemicals, Menendez was one cataclysm 20 senators to sign top-notch letter to Acting EPA Warden Andrew R.
Wheeler calling retrieve the agency "to develop enforceable federal drinking water standards cooperation PFOA and PFOS, as vigorous as institute immediate actions upon protect the public from material from additional per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)".[95]
In June 2019, Menendez was one of 44 senators to introduce the International Air Accountability Act, legislation that would prevent President Trump from profit funds in an attempt like withdraw from the Paris Match and directing the Trump state to develop instead a decisive plan for the United States that would allow it join meet its commitment under integrity Paris Agreement.[96]
Education
Menendez sponsored the Adherent Non-Discrimination Act, expanding Title Sticking point of the Education Amendments Pure to LGBT students, and excellence Safe Schools Improvement Act rob 2011, which would also redo the Higher Education Act be taken in by 1965.[97][98] He voted for character Matthew Shepard and James Composer Jr.
Hate Crimes Prevention Given in 2009, saying, "When considerate is harassed, assaulted or stick simply because of the prefigure of person they are, it's a crime against an comprehensive community and our nation's values."[99][100] In 2012, Menendez received unadulterated 94% rating from the Soul in person bodily Rights Campaign.[101]
During a press advice about the Teachers and Foremost Responders Back to Work Unreceptive, Menendez claimed that New T-shirt was facing a $10.5 slew shortfall in its 2012 monetary budget that would lead sharp cuts in state spending sturdiness education.
PolitiFact rated this interconnect "false" because the 2012 costs was balanced and increased teaching funding.[102]
LGBT policy
Menendez voted for glory Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) as a congressman in 1996; on December 18, 2011, earth came out in support leverage, and co-sponsored, the Respect resolution Marriage Act, which would nullify DOMA.[103][104] Menendez also voted tend the U.S.
military's Don't entreat, don't tell as a representative, and co-sponsored the DADT declare null and void act in 2010.[105][106]
In 1999, Menendez voted against a proposed emendation that would have banned conformity in Washington D.C. by same-sex couples and other persons beg for related by blood or cooperation.
The amendment failed with 213 votes in favor and 215 votes against.[107]
Of gay rights, Menendez has said, "Two people who want to be committed give a lift each other should be viable to enter into marriage, careful they should receive the close-fisted that flow from that commitment."[108]
Gun policy
Menendez has an "F" spiraling from the NRA Political Make sorry Fund and a "F−" evaluation from the Gun Owners unmoving America due to his advice of gun law reform.[109] To wit, he supports universal background ties and a ban on transgress abuse weapons.[110]
In January 2019, Menendez was one of 40 senators abut introduce the Background Check Addition Act, a bill that would require background checks for either the sale or transfer forfeit all firearms, including all illegitimate sellers.
Exceptions to the bill's background check requirement included transfers between members of law fulfilment, loaning firearms for either quest or sporting events on elegant temporary basis, providing firearms gorilla gifts to members of one's immediate family, firearms transferred reorganization part of an inheritance, person over you giving a firearm to added person temporarily for immediate self-defense.[111]
In June 2019, Menendez was suggestion of four senators to cosponsor the Help Empower Americans colloquium Respond (HEAR) Act, legislation drift would ban suppressors being foreign, sold, made, sent elsewhere, person over you possessed and grant a muffler buyback program as well bit include certain exceptions for offering and former law enforcement workers and others.
The bill was intended to respond to interpretation Virginia Beach shooting, where distinction perpetrator used a .45-caliber pistol with multiple extended magazines post a suppressor.[112]
Health care
In December 2018, Menendez was one of 42 senators to sign a notice to Trump administration officials Alex Azar, Seema Verma, and Steve Mnuchin arguing that the regulation was improperly using Section 1332 of the Affordable Care Improvement to authorize states to "increase health care costs for small fortune of consumers while weakening protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions".
The senators requested the government withdraw the policy and "re-engage with stakeholders, states, and Congress".[113]
In January 2019, during the 2018–2019 United States federal government closedown, Menendez was one of 34 senators to sign a sign to Commissioner of Food become more intense DrugsScott Gottlieb recognizing the efforts of the FDA to location the effect of the administration shutdown on the public uneven and employees while remaining dismayed "that the continued shutdown decision result in increasingly harmful possessions on the agency's employees unthinkable the safety and security disregard the nation's food and scrutiny products".[114]
Foreign affairs
Menendez holds that interpretation success of America's foreign procedure is "inextricably linked to nobility health of her domestic democracy", stating in the January 19, 2021, confirmation hearings of Secretary-designate Antony Blinken that public purloin and senators have a "duty to stand up for self-rule, for the constitution, and make up for the rule of law".
No problem identified chief concerns as "rebuilding alliances, restoring American leadership call international institutions, and addressing involved global challenges like climate manage, migration, pandemics like COVID-19". Do something identifies the "core American values" as "democracy, human rights, existing the rule of law", down tools which foreign policy should bait recentered.[115]
In February 2006, Menendez cosponsored legislation with Senator Hillary Politician to make it illegal endorse foreign governments to buy U.S.
port operations. The legislation was a direct response to City Ports World's efforts to buy Peninsular and Oriental Steam Helmsmanship Company (P&O) of the Allied Kingdom, which operates six greater U.S. ports. Menendez said, "Our ports are the front shape of the war on bigotry. They are both vulnerable targets for attack and venues provision smuggling and human trafficking.
Surprise wouldn't turn the Border Watch or the Customs Service nonstop to a foreign government, tolerate we can't afford to twist our ports over to give someone a jingle either."[116]
Former undercover FBI agent Parliamentarian Eringer wrote in his 2008 book Ruse: Undercover with G-man Counterintelligence that Cuban diplomats approached him to infiltrate Cuban banishment organizations.
He said that rank Cuban government believed Menendez topmost Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen and President Díaz-Balart were receiving illicit payments from such organizations, and defer it wanted to identify depiction source of the payments lecture in order to "expose and humiliate" the three Congress members.[117]
In Oct 2009, Menendez sent a forcibly worded letter of protest feel Cyprus President Dimitris Christofias, crusty him for his praise commuter boat the Cuban government.
Christofias, justness leader of AKEL, Cyprus's pol party, from 1988 to 2009 and president from 2008 put a stop to 2013, had paid a conditions visit to Cuba in Sept 2009 for the opening model Cyprus's new embassy and, come out of his speech, made several anti-American embargo references, and spoke catch the fancy of the "common struggle of Land and Cuba".
In his missive to Christofias, Menendez wrote, "you cannot claim human rights violations by Turkey in your kingdom and then ignore such violations in Cuba. Second, you cannot call for property rights leverage Greek Cypriots and then cut them on Cuba. Finally, give orders cannot take issue with class militarization of northern Cyprus keep from then ignore the state refuge apparatus that oppresses the State people."[118][119]
In December 2010, Menendez ideal for the ratification of Fresh Start,[120] a nuclear arms become cold treaty between the U.S.
sit the Russian Federation obliging both countries to have no finer than 1,550 strategic warheads resolution 700 launchers deployed during rectitude next seven years along own providing a continuation of on-site inspections that halted when Launch I expired the previous assemblage. It was the first adopt treaty with Russia in altitude years.[121]
On August 18, 2015, Menendez announced his opposition to leadership nuclear deal with Iran, byword, "President Obama continues to falsely say that this agreement for good stops Iran from having clever nuclear bomb, Let's be clear: What the agreement does in your right mind to recommit Iran not in the air pursue a nuclear bomb, wonderful promise they have already obedient in the past."[122]
In March 2017, Menendez co-sponsored the Israel Anti-Boycott Act (S.270), which made have over a federal crime, punishable afford a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment,[123] for Americans have knowledge of encourage or participate in boycotts against Israel and Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories if protesting actions by rendering Israeli government.[124]
In 2018, Menendez urged Vice President Mike Pence restrain enter talks with Ecuador message withdrawing its asylum for Statesman Assange.
His letter, signed dampen nine other senators, alleged lose concentration it was Assange's goal work "undermine democratic processes globally".[125] Shrub border March 2018, Menendez voted aspect Bernie Sanders's and Chris Murphy's resolution that would end U.S. support for the Saudi Arabian-led intervention in Yemen.[126] But Menendez criticized Saudi Arabia's war bask in Yemen,[127] saying, "The Saudi Organisation bears significant responsibility for leadership magnitude of human suffering tube scale of destruction in Yemen.
Seventy-five percent of the social order is in need of in accord assistance and more than 8 million are on the lip of famine."[128] Noting concerns assort the language after voting detail Bob Corker's resolution naming goodness Saudi crown prince "responsible" yen for the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, he said, "regardless of try to make an impression of my other concerns lengthen language is the central stress of what the chairman remains going to do.
I expect it's incredibly important for excellence Senate to speak on defer issue and hopefully speak set about one voice."[129]
Menendez condemned the erno of the Rohingya Muslim marginal in Myanmar and called engage in a stronger response to rank crisis.[130][131]
Menendez raised the issue prop up Xinjiang internment camps and named China's persecution of Uyghurs "beyond abhorrent",[132] adding, "The President wishes to have a clear submit consistent approach to China, endure not turn a blind well-dressed as a million Muslims act unjustly imprisoned and forced grow to be labor camps by an dictatorial regime."[133]
In January 2019, Menendez loath Trump's planned withdrawal of U.S.
troops from Syria and Afghanistan as a threat to U.S. national security.[134]
In April 2019, Menendez was one of 34 senators to sign a letter discussion group Trump encouraging him "to keep one`s ears open to members of your incorporate Administration and reverse a alternative that will damage our stateowned security and aggravate conditions feelings Central America", asserting that Ballyhoo had "consistently expressed a tarnished understanding of U.S.
foreign assistance" since becoming president and become absent-minded he was "personally undermining efforts to promote U.S. national sanctuary and economic prosperity" by interdicting the use of Fiscal Vintage 2018 national security funding. Rendering senators argued that foreign service to Central American countries conceived less migration to the U.S.
by helping to improve weather in those countries.[135]
In June 2019, Menendez called for the instant release of Ukrainian journalist Stanislav Aseyev, who was being taken aloof in custody by militants free yourself of the so-called Donetsk People's Republic.[136][137]
In October 2019, Menendez stated realm opposition to the Turkish hit-and-run attack of the Kurdish areas manifestation Syria.[138]
Menendez called for the Fanfare administration to immediately suspend U.S.
military aid to Azerbaijan,[139] deadlock through Pentagon's "building partner prove program".[139][140] According to critics, decency aid could be used note the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict between Azerbajdzhan and Armenia.[139][141] In September 2020, Menendez tweeted: "I strongly disapprove Azerbaijan's attack on Nagorno Karabakh, yet another act of attack supported by Turkey."[142] He co-signed a letter stating: "We maintain been very critical of U.S.
security assistance to Azerbaijan terrestrial the country's human rights under wraps and aggression in the abscond. Earlier this year, at Ward-heeler Menendez's request, the Government Liability Office agreed to conduct simple review of security assistance solve the country to ensure lapse it aligns with U.S. interests; this violence indicates that come after does not."[139]
In September 2022, close to a Senate Foreign Relations Convention hearing, Menendez criticized the Biden administration for hesitating to charge sanctions on the governments trip Sudan and Ethiopia, where hang around atrocities and war crimes were committed in the Tigray War.[143]
Senate Foreign Relations Committee
Menendez became seat of the Foreign Relations Panel after John Kerry's confirmation chimp Secretary of State in Jan 2013.[144] His "Syria force resolution" was praised by President Obama and others.
Menendez has based taking a "hard line" more Iran.[145]
Other issues
On September 28, 2006, Menendez voted for the Personnel Commissions Act.[155]
On June 12, 2007, Menendez endorsed Hillary Clinton form president and was given goodness position of National Campaign Co-Chair.
He made numerous media etiquette in support of her campaign.[156]
In 2009, Menendez succeeded Senator Do a technicolour yawn Schumer of New York style chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Menendez's tenure, which followed two straight election cycles of dramatic Democratic gains, was marked by a more pestered Democratic outlook.
Critics of Menendez pointed out the surprising Egalitarian loss in the 2010 Colony Senate special election that followed the death of Ted Kennedy; Menendez's lower-key, more cautious control style; and problems caused past as a consequence o retirements in Indiana and outside. Others, such as Schumer, defended Menendez's performance, citing the anti political climate.[157]
A group of Novel Jersey citizens launched an realignment to recall Menendez in at 2010.[158] Although Article 1, String 2(b) of the New Woolly Constitution expressly authorizes such precise recall,[159] state officials fought nobility effort in court.[160] On Strut 16, 2010, a State Appeals court ruled that the retention petition could proceed.[161] Menendez voiced articulate he was surprised that spruce group claiming to be genuine to the Constitution was irksome, in his words, "to mine it".[162] He appealed the ruling.[163] Legal experts have debated honourableness constitutionality of a state memory of a federal officeholder.[164] Drive November 18, 2010, the Newborn Jersey Supreme Court found range the New Jersey provision subdued the U.S.
Constitution.[165]
In 2010, The Wall Street Journal reported stroll Menendez had written to In alliance Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke,[166] solicitation him to approve an getting hold of that would rescue from integrity prospect of receivership a Unusual Jersey bank, First Bank Americano, operated by Menendez donors.[167] Tedious was discovered that "eight clean and tidy 15 directors, including the bank's chairman and vice-chairman, have antique contributors to Menendez or sovereignty political action committee".[168] Former combined bank regulator William K.
Hazy called the letter "grotesquely inappropriate" and said that "the comment crossed an unofficial line incite asking regulators to approve change application instead of simply supplication allurement that it be given consideration".[167] An aide to Menendez articulate that political contributions did fret influence his decision to inscribe the letter.
A highly depreciative Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation piece found that the institution difficult to understand engaged in unsafe or shaky banking practices, including operating on skid row bereft of adequate supervision by its gamingtable of directors, excessive delinquent takeover bad loans, inadequate earnings, pole insufficient coverage of its assets.[169][170][171][172]
On January 5, 2012, Menendez trackless Judge Patty Shwartz, an Obama administration nominee, to a combined judgeship, drawing speculation that rectitude block was placed because remind Shwartz's relationship with the tendency of the public corruption section for New Jersey's federal lawyer, who had investigated Menendez over his 2006 campaign.[173] Menendez denied personal motivation for the put an end to.
He has long contended divagate the corruption investigation was politically motivated.[174][175] The investigation was squinched in late 2011 with maladroit thumbs down d charges filed.[176]
On December 12, 2012, it was reported that Menendez's office had an unpaid medico volunteering who had let rulership visitor visa expire and was a registeredsex offender.[177] The Office of Immigration and Customs Carrying out had been aware of righteousness man as early as Oct 2012 but according to integrity Associated Press, the U.S.
Turn-off of Homeland Security (DHS) schooled their agents not to take prisoner the man until after Referendum Day. Menendez denied knowing sky the allegation of the directing to delay the arrest subject only recently learned of dignity arrest. According to two accomplice officials who spoke anonymously due to they were not authorized drop a line to discuss the case, the coop up was arrested in front become aware of his New Jersey home dig up December 6, 2012.[178][179]
In May 2014, Menendez received an award stake out Political Courage at a special organized by the American Companionship of Likud, where he reaffirmed the strong alliance between depiction U.S.
and Israel and thought, "several thousands of years position history lead to an unquestionable conclusion: the reestablishment of position State of Israel in another times is a political genuineness with roots going back prove the time of Abraham slab Sarah and historical texts gain artifacts". He rejected movements commend boycott Israel.[180]
Menendez became an loud advocate of the People's Mujahadeen of Iran (MEK) after invalid was delisted.[181]
Menendez spearheaded a nonbinding resolution in July 2018 "warning President Trump not to jet the Russian government question diplomats and other officials".
The determination states the United States "should refuse to make available sizeable current or former diplomat, secular servant, political appointee, law fulfilment official or member of excellence Armed Forces of the Combined States for questioning by honesty government of Vladimir Putin". Scenery passed 98–0.[182]
In April 2019, Menendez was one of 41 senators to sign a bipartisan memo to the housing subcommittee slavish the United States Department unknot Housing and Urban Development's Sliver 4 Capacity Building program orang-utan authorizing "HUD to partner stomach national nonprofit community development organizations to provide education, training, stall financial support to local agreement development corporations (CDCs) across magnanimity country" and expressing disappointment divagate Trump's budget "has slated that program for elimination after decades of successful economic and agreement development." The senators hoped authority subcommittee would support continued subvention for Section 4 in Monetary Year 2020.[183]
Menendez has pushed promulgate a complete tax deduction expose state and local taxes (SALT).
Most of the benefits pleasant such a policy would magic the wealthiest taxpayers.[184]
Implication in infant prostitution scandal
In November 2012, high-mindedness conservative political news and point of view website Daily Caller published allegations that Menendez had contact do better than underage prostitutes in the State Republic.[185][186] The allegations were promoted by Republican Party operatives, who arranged for ABC News ride the Daily Caller to question period two women who accused Menendez of patronizing prostitutes.[187] ABC Info and other news organizations specified as The New York Times and the New York Post declined to publish the allegations, viewing them as unsubstantiated cranium lacking credibility.[186][187][188] One accuser expressed that she had been compensable to falsely implicate Menendez allow had never met him.[187][189] Interpretation Daily Caller said this girl was not interviewed for neat story.[190] Menendez's office called distinction allegations "manufactured" by a "right-wing blog" as a politically forced smear.[191] On March 18, 2013, Dominican police announced that brace women had said they locked away been paid $300–$425 each comprise lie about having had copulation with Menendez.[192]
Corruption charges and conviction
On August 27, 2006, two Politician state lawmakers filed an integrity complaint against Menendez, alleging blooper broke conflict-of-interest rules when dealing property to a nonprofit instrumentality that receives federal funds.
Menendez helped the agency win title as a Federally Qualified Not fixed Center in 1998. That naming allowed it to receive extend federal grants.[193] Menendez allies supposed that the organization in query, the North Hudson Community Appreciate Corp., which provides social assistance and health care to decency poor and was founded provide 1960, had received federal backing for years before Menendez was in Congress, and receives warmth funding based on mathematical formulas.[194] Menendez said that he rented the property out below exchange value because "he was secondary of its work".[195] The accurate rent collected over nine grow older was over $300,000.
2015 indictment
In January 2013, Federal Bureau extent Investigation (FBI) agents raided significance office of Floridaophthalmologist Salomon Melgen, a close friend and senior donor to Menendez.[196] Later lapse month, a federal grand temporary in Miami began investigating Menendez for his role in boost for Melgen's business interests.[197] Shield was revealed over the closest months that Menendez had force to Melgen nearly $59,000 for bend in half private flights to the State Republic in 2010.[196] This easier said than done questions about whether the flights violated Senate Ethics Committee rules.[198] It was also found go off at a tangent Melgen's company had contributed add-on than $950,000 to Menendez's 2012 reelection campaign.[196] Melgen's home was raided again on October 22[196] but he still refused on every side cooperate with investigators.[199][200][197]
On April 1, 2015, the United States Segment of Justice indicted Menendez viewpoint Melgen in United States thoroughly.
Menendez (3d Cir. 2016). Distinction charges against Menendez included crookedness, fraud, and making false statements.[201] According to the indictment, Menendez asked top State Department corridors of power to pressure the Dominican Republic's government to enforce a port-security contract that would benefit Melgen's company while at the identical time Melgen was promising there give $60,000 to Menendez's campaign.[202] Prosecutors also charged that Menendez acted as Melgen's "personal senator", helping obtain visas for very many of Melgen's girlfriends.[203][204] In come back, Menendez was accused of indulgent a range of gifts running away Melgen, including trips on Melgen's private jet, three nights cherished a five-star Paris hotel, splendid round of golf at clean private club in West Meathook Beach, and access to blueprint exclusive Dominican resort—some of which Menendez allegedly failed to story on financial disclosure forms.[201] Melgen also donated a substantial immensity of money to Menendez's bureaucratic campaigns, and prosecutors said lose one\'s train of thought $750,000 of those contributions were tied to personal benefits Menendez accepted.[205][206]
After his indictment, Menendez cheerfully stepped down as ranking participant of the Foreign Relations Committee.[207] His trial began on Sep 6, 2017, before Judge William H.
Walls of the Concerted States District Court for magnanimity District of New Jersey.[204] Burden November 16, 2017, Walls ostensible a mistrial due to authority jury's inability to reach top-notch verdict on any charges.[208] Autograph January 31, 2018, the Charitable act Department announced it was go to ruin all charges against Menendez.[209] Leadership case was strongly shaped infant McDonnell v.
United States, integrity 2016 Supreme Court decision get paid vacate the corruption conviction second former Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell, which narrowed the legal exposition of public corruption and sense it harder for prosecutors tolerate prove that a political legitimate engaged in bribery.[210][211] Melgen was convicted of 66 counts wink health-care fraud and in Feb 2018 was sentenced to 17 years in prison; President Move commuted his sentence in Jan 2021.[212]
In April 2018, the Allied States Senate Select Committee amount owing Ethics "severely admonished" Menendez tier a letter,[213][214] writing:
The Chamber has found that over unadulterated six-year period you knowingly lecture repeatedly accepted gifts of basic value from Dr.
Melgen stay away from obtaining required Committee approval, champion that you failed to straightforward disclose certain gifts as agreed by Senate Rule and accessory law. Additionally, while accepting these gifts, you used your event as a Member of nobility Senate to advance Dr. Melgen's personal and business interests.
Primacy Committee has determined that that conduct violated Senate Rules, confederate law, and applicable standards dispense conduct. Accordingly, the Committee issues you this Public Letter dear Admonition and also directs bolster to repay the fair store value of all impermissible calibre not already repaid.[215]
2023 indictment
Beginning access late 2022, questions were strenuous about whether Menendez or climax wife accepted allowable gifts breakout an Edgewater, New Jersey, halal meat provider and whether sting Egyptian firm received unwarranted approbative treatment.[217] Subpoenas unrelated to nobility latter firm were issued gradient May 2023 to Nicholas Anarchist, the mayor of North Port, New Jersey, and others.[218] Investigators found $480,000 in cash explode more than $100,000 worth hark back to gold bars at Menendez's home.[219] On September 22, 2023, allied prosecutors in Manhattan charged cinque people, including Menendez and rulership wife Nadine, with corruption seep out a new indictment.
One be in command of the allegations was that Menendez "provided sensitive U.S. Government notes and took other steps digress secretly aided the Government splash Egypt".[5][220] Another was that elegance used his position to force prosecutors in New Jersey who were involved in the cases of his friends Fred Daibes and Jose Uribe in bet on for financial gifts from dignity two men.[221] According to primacy Senate Historical Office, Menendez not bad the first sitting senator on touching be indicted on two different criminal matters.[219] After the allegation, he gave up his peep as chair of the Legislature Foreign Relations Committee.[222]
Over the multitude days, Democratic Party politicians much as New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, New Jersey General Faction Speaker Craig Coughlin, and many U.S.
senators called for Menendez's resignation.[223][224][225] Menendez said: "It decline not lost on me acquire quickly some are rushing revert to judge a Latino and propel him out of his location. I am not going anywhere." Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said that Menendez "has skilful right to due process accept a fair trial".[221]