Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) is stepping down from his position as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee following his indictment on bribery charges. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer made the announcement, stating that Menendez has the right to due process and a fair trial. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has called for Menendez's resignation, claiming that the charges implicate national security and the integrity of the criminal justice system.

In his first statement since the indictment was unsealed, Menendez accused his opponents of conspiring against him and attempting to silence his voice. He criticized the prosecutors for misrepresenting the work of his congressional office and attacking his wife, Nadine Menendez, for her friendships before they even met.

Federal prosecutors have charged Menendez and his wife with three conspiracy counts, alleging that they engaged in a "corrupt bribery agreement" that benefited them, three businessmen from New Jersey, and the government of Egypt. The charges include allegations of accepting a luxury car, gold bars, and a large sum of cash. FBI agents found the cash "stuffed in envelopes" during a search of Menendez's home.

Governor Murphy expressed deep concern over the allegations and called for Menendez's immediate resignation. He argued that the seriousness of the charges compromised Menendez's ability to effectively represent the people of New Jersey. Other Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Dean Phillips and former Attorney General Eric Holder, also called for Menendez to step down.

The White House declined to comment on the indictment, stating that it is an active matter. Prosecutors have accused Menendez of using his position as Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to provide substantial military aid to Egypt and share sensitive information with Egyptian officials.

Menendez's son, Rep. Rob Menendez, defended his father in a statement, calling the indictment a distraction. He expressed unwavering confidence in his father's dedication to serving the people of New Jersey. However, Rep. Phillips, a colleague of Menendez, expressed disappointment in the news and called for his resignation. He also urged Senate leadership to remove Menendez if he did not step down voluntarily.

The indictment also details allegations of Menendez and his wife receiving mortgage payments, a recliner, exercise machines, and other items in exchange for protecting co-defendants and intervening in a criminal case. Prosecutors claim that some of the payments were laundered through a consulting firm set up by Nadine Menendez.

Menendez previously faced federal corruption charges in 2015, but the case ended in a mistrial when the jury deadlocked. The charges were later dropped by prosecutors. The new indictment takes into account the legal obstacles that helped Menendez avoid conviction in the previous case. It alleges that Menendez and his wife received bribes in exchange for using their influence to benefit Egypt and local businessmen.

Menendez, his wife, and the other defendants are expected to appear in Manhattan federal court for their initial hearing. If convicted on all charges, Menendez faces up to 45 years in prison.