WASHINGTON — The House Ethics Committee said Wednesday it will begin an investigation Rap Henry Cuellarthe Texas Democrat recently indicted in a federal bribery case.
The panel said in a statement that it voted unanimously to create a subcommittee to investigate Cuellar. Department of Justice this month announced the indictment He accused Cuellar and his wife Imelda of taking $598,000 in bribes from foreign entities, including a Mexican bank and an oil and gas company controlled by Azerbaijan.
The subcommittee found that Cuellar “solicited or accepted bribes, favors, or improper gifts; acted as a foreign agent; violated federal money laundering laws; abused his official position for personal gain; and/or or shall have the power to investigate whether it has made false statements or omissions. public statements submitted to the House of Representatives.”
Cuellar before the charges were unsealed this month denied any wrongdoing and said he had “taken legal advice” from the panel.
In a statement Wednesday, Cuellar reiterated his innocence.
“I respect the work of the House Ethics Committee,” Cuellar said. “As I said on May 3, I am innocent of these allegations and everything I have done in Congress has been to serve the people of South Texas.”
In a statement Wednesday, the Ethics Committee cited House rules that require it to create an investigative subcommittee or not explain its decision within 30 days after a member is indicted or otherwise charged.
Chairman Michael Guest, R-Miss. and Rep. Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md., will serve as chairman and ranking member of the new subcommittee.
The federal indictment is set to make Cuellar’s seat more vulnerable in November. Two years ago, he easily defeated his Republican challenger, Cassie Garcia.
This time, Cuellar will face retired Navy officer Jay Furman won Republican primary runoff Tuesday.
Cuellar and his wife are not the first congressional couple to face foreign bribery charges in the past year. Department of Justice shot Senator Bob MenendezDN.J. and with his wife Nadine Menendez 18 criminal cases related to bribery and corruption. They have he pleaded not guilty. It’s Bob Menendez is judged.
Rebecca Kaplan reported from Washington and Zoe Richards from New York.