Menendez Says he Will not Step Down After Bribery Indictment

After a meeting with fellow democratic members of Congress, New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez (D) stated his plans to remain in office and not step down after bribe allegations.

In a statement at what has been described as a closed-door luncheon, Sen. Menendez stated his intentions to continue his duties.

"I will continue to cast votes on behalf of the people of New Jersey as I have for 18 years. And I am sure when they need those votes, they’ll be looking for it, for me to catch those votes," said Sen. Menendez.

The New Jersey senator’s remarks received mixed reviews from his fellow democratic Congress members.

West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin (D) took to the defense of Menendez’s speech.

“He just basically gave a very compassionate speech,” said Sen. Manchin.

Menendez has repeatedly denied calls for him to step down after several allegations have been made against him.

He is accused of taking bribes of gold bars, a luxury vehicle and large amounts of cash. $100,000 in gold bars and almost $500,000 in cash was found subtly hidden and stashed in clothing and closets in Menendez’s house.

The bribes were an attempt to get the senator to use his governmental position to help the government of Egypt.

In other news, President Joe Biden (D) took to his social media account to share with the American public that he agreed with Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell’s (R) criticisms of Republicans’ desire to “defund border patrol.” 

In a tweet, Pres. Biden expressed his concern over the attack on the border.

“You know, I agree with Mitch here. Why the House Republicans would want to defund Border Patrol is beyond me,” said Pres. Biden.

In the accompanying tweet that included a video, Sen. McConnell emphasized the dire need for Congress to come to an agreement on a deal that would ensure funding, at least for the short term.

“These important discussions can not progress if Congress simply fails to complete our work on the standard short-term funding, and the basic functions of government and being taken hostage.”