The Senate Ethics Committee announced on Monday that it has unanimously voted to investigate allegations against Sen. Bob Menendez regarding potential violations of Senate rules. This move comes in the wake of Menendez's recent conviction on bribery charges, raising the possibility of disciplinary actions being taken against the New Jersey Democrat.
If the ethics panel finds Menendez guilty of misconduct, it could recommend punitive measures such as censure or expulsion. Expulsion would require a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate, putting significant pressure on the senator to either resign voluntarily or face expulsion through a Senate vote.
Menendez, aged 70, was found guilty by a New Jersey jury of accepting bribes in the form of gold and cash from three businessmen in his state, as well as of acting as a foreign agent for the Egyptian government. Despite the conviction, Menendez has expressed his intention to appeal the verdict and has not indicated any plans to step down from his position, despite calls from within his own party for him to resign.
Following the Senate Ethics Committee's decision, Menendez's office did not immediately provide a response to the developments. The committee stated that it will conduct a thorough review of the allegations and will promptly submit a written report to the Senate detailing its findings and any recommendations for potential disciplinary actions.
