Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey, a Democrat, is facing federal indictments and evidence of corruption, including collusion with foreign governments. He has been indicted for corruption and influence-peddling a second time, a historic first. Despite this, he remains a member in good standing of the US Senate and has access to national security briefings. Schumer should be pressuring Menendez to resign or face expulsion from the Senate.
Speaker Mike Johnson in the House has shown that it is possible to remove a member despite potential negative impacts on the party’s majority. Schumer still maintains a solid majority in the Senate and could use Vice President Kamala Harris in case of tie votes. Menendez has been accused of providing sensitive secret US information to Egyptian officials, yet he has not been blocked from any confidential briefings.
Menendez is facing criticism even from fellow Democrats, with Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania calling him a disgrace who doesn’t belong in the Senate. Menendez’s own son, Rep. Robert Menendez Jr., is the only federal lawmaker from New Jersey who hasn’t called for his resignation. Menendez should not have the opportunity to trade his vote for favors or divulge more secrets, and he should not continue to draw a salary from taxpayers or pad his pension.
Despite Menendez’s upcoming court trial, Schumer has not taken action to remove him from the Senate. Schumer must address the situation and push for Menendez’s expulsion if he refuses to resign voluntarily. Menendez’s trial is currently set to start in May but may be delayed. Schumer needs to take action and show leadership by telling Menendez to resign and initiating the process for an expulsion vote if necessary.
