The House Ethics Committee has initiated an investigation into Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democrat from Texas, following his recent indictment on charges of bribery, money laundering, and working on behalf of a foreign government. The committee unanimously voted to pursue this rare step in light of the allegations against Cuellar and his wife, who are also under investigation by the Department of Justice for their connections to Azerbaijan.
The committee, chaired by Rep. Michael Guest and ranking member Rep. Susan Wild, emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the House while coordinating with the Department of Justice to manage potential risks associated with dual investigations.
Rep. Cuellar, in response to the committee's decision, maintained his innocence and reiterated his commitment to serving the people of South Texas through his congressional actions.
House rules mandate that within 30 days of a member's indictment or formal charges, the committee must either establish an investigative subcommittee or provide reasons for not doing so. Rep. Guest and Rep. Glenn Ivy will lead the review of Cuellar, with a reminder that the initiation of an investigation does not imply a violation of House rules.
The indictment alleges that Cuellar and his wife accepted bribes totaling nearly $600,000 from entities associated with Azerbaijan and Mexico between 2014 and 2021. In exchange, Cuellar purportedly agreed to promote the interests of these countries in the United States, including influencing legislation and delivering a pro-Azerbaijan speech on the House floor.
Charges against the Cuellars include bribery, conspiracy, wire fraud, acting as agents of foreign principals, and money laundering. If convicted, they could face lengthy prison sentences and forfeiture of assets linked to the alleged illicit activities.
This development marks the third federal indictment of a lawmaker since the start of the current congressional session, underscoring the gravity of the allegations against Rep. Cuellar and the potential legal consequences he and his wife may face.
