The House Ethics Committee announced on Wednesday that it had launched an investigation against Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Texas. He and his wife were both indicted for accepting bribes worth hundreds of thousands and laundering the money.
Cuellar’s wife Imelda and he were charged by the Department of Justice with bribery and money laundering, as well as peddling foreign influence, nearly a week ago. The couple pleaded not guilt to the 14-count federal charge, and were released on $100,000 bond. They have denied all wrongdoing.
Authorities accuse Cuellar, of receiving bribes worth approximately $600,000. These bribes were paid by an Azerbaijani oil and gas firm and a Mexican bank. Cuellar allegedly agreed to use his position to influence U.S. policies in favor of Azerbaijan, and to push beneficial measures for the Mexican bank.
Guest and Wild stated that the Ethics Committee is “aware of the potential risks associated with dual investigation and is in contact with the Department of Justice” to mitigate these risks, while still meeting its obligations to safeguard integrity of the House.
Cuellar stated in a statement on Wednesday that “I respect work done by the House Ethics Committee.”
He added, “As I stated on May 3rd I am innocent of the allegations and all I have done as a member of Congress was to serve South Texas.”
Cuellar, after his indictment, resigned from his position as ranking member of Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee.
