US Senator Robert Menendez ignored calls to step down on Monday, after the New Jersey Democrat and his wife were indicted on federal bribery charges last week.
“I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be New Jersey’s senior senator,” Menendez said, as more lawmakers called for his resignation.
Prosecutors allege they found $480,000 in cash at Menendez’s home during a raid. But Menendez claimed on Monday that the cash, withdrawn over 30 years from his personal savings account, was for “emergencies”.
Menendez and his wife were charged with accepting bribes to exert influence over US military aid to Egypt and help a halal exports business.
