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 was recently indicted in a federal bribery case. The committee unanimously voted to form a subcommittee to look into the allegations against Cuellar, who is accused of accepting $598,000 in bribes from foreign entities.

The Justice Department released an indictment this month accusing Cuellar and his wife, Imelda, of accepting bribes from a Mexican bank and an oil and gas company controlled by Azerbaijan. The subcommittee will investigate whether Cuellar solicited or accepted bribes, acted as a foreign agent, violated money laundering laws, misused his official position for private gain, or made false statements on public disclosure statements.

Cuellar has maintained his innocence, stating that he sought legal advice before the charges were unsealed. He reaffirmed his innocence in a statement on Wednesday, saying that everything he has done in Congress has been to serve the people of South Texas.

The investigation could potentially make Cuellar’s seat more vulnerable in the upcoming November election. He will be facing retired Navy officer Jay Furman, who won a Republican primary runoff on Tuesday. Cuellar and his wife are not the only congressional couple facing charges in alleged foreign bribery schemes, as Sen. Bob Menendez and his wife are also facing criminal charges.

Chairman Michael Guest and Rep. Glenn Ivey will serve as the chair and ranking member of the new subcommittee. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.