The Justice Department has filed charges against Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Democrat from Texas, and his wife, alleging that they accepted foreign bribes and engaged in money laundering.
The charges involve approximately $600,000 from an oil and gas company associated with the government of Azerbaijan and a bank in Mexico City.
Cuellar is accused of using his position to benefit Azerbaijan and the bank, with the alleged payments starting in December 2014 and continuing until November 2021. Cuellar, who previously served as co-chair of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, is accused of laundering the bribes through shell companies owned by his wife. Both Cuellars are facing charges including bribery, wire fraud, money laundering, and acting as foreign agents, which could result in lengthy prison sentences if they are convicted.
They appeared in court on Friday, with Cuellar maintaining his innocence and stating that he intends to run for reelection in November.
Christie Stephenson, a spokesperson for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, stated that Cuellar deserves the presumption of innocence and his day in court.
However, Cuellar will step down as the top Democrat on the House Appropriations subcommittee for funding Homeland Security. Cuellar, known as one of the most conservative Democrats, faced criticism from colleagues for his anti-abortion stance. The National Republican Congressional Committee has called for his resignation, accusing him of prioritizing himself over Texas.