House Ethics Committee to Investigate Rep. Henry Cuellar in Federal Bribery Case

The House Ethics Committee announced on Wednesday that it will be launching an investigation into Rep. Henry Cuellar, a Texas Democrat who has recently been indicted in a federal bribery case. The panel unanimously voted to form a subcommittee to look into allegations that Cuellar and his wife, Imelda, accepted $598,000 in bribes from foreign entities, including a Mexican bank and an oil and gas company controlled by Azerbaijan.

The subcommittee will have the authority to investigate whether Cuellar engaged in soliciting or accepting bribes, acted as a foreign agent, violated federal money laundering laws, misused his official position for personal gain, or made false statements on public disclosure statements filed with the House.

Cuellar has maintained his innocence, stating, “I am innocent of these allegations, and everything I have done in Congress has been to serve the people of South Texas.” The Ethics Committee is required by House rules to establish an investigative subcommittee within 30 days of a member being indicted or charged.

The federal indictment could potentially make Cuellar’s seat more vulnerable in the upcoming November elections. In the last election, he easily defeated his Republican opponent, but this time he will be facing retired Navy officer Jay Furman, who won the Republican primary runoff on Tuesday.

Cuellar and his wife are not the only congressional couple facing charges related to foreign bribery schemes. Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife, Nadine Menendez, have also been hit with criminal charges tied to bribery and corruption. They have pleaded not guilty, and Bob Menendez is currently on trial.

The investigation into Cuellar’s alleged misconduct will be led by Chairman Michael Guest, R-Miss., and Rep. Glenn Ivey, D-Md. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.