- Wed Apr 01, 2015 6:03 pm
#56271
Sen. Robert Menendez (N.J.) could be forced to step aside as ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee following his indictment on Wednesday, which could jeopardize Congress's chances of passing Iran legislation which Obama venomously opposes.
Menendez has co-authored legislation with Chairman Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) that would allow the Senate to weigh in on any nuclear deal with Iran, and a separate bill that would restore and impose tougher sanctions on Iran if it walks away from talks or violates a deal.
After Menendez, the next most senior Democrat on the committee is Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), an ally of President Obama who opposes passing any Iran legislation before the final June 30 deadline in the talks.
Menendez did not address his position on the committee at a press conference Wednesday evening despite reports that he planned to temporarily step aside as required by law. "I am angry and ready to fight," Menendez said, adding that he has "always conducted myself in accordance with the law. When the White House learned I was planning on co-authoring legislation that would allow the Senate to weigh in and have a say in any nuclear deal with Iran, the White House advised me to reverse myself or be prepared to pay the price. There is no doubt this indictment is to replace me on the Foreign Relations Committee with someone more favorable to Obama's plans. The investigation they used is over two years old and was shelved until they needed it."
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