Ben Cardin Appointed as New Chair of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Place of Menendez

On Wednesday, October 5, members of the U.S. Senate elected Democratic Senator Ben Cardin to replace Senator Bob Menendez as the "Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee." According to Reuters, this is the second time that Ben Cardin has taken over the leadership of the committee from his colleague Menendez. Cardin previously held this position from April 2015 to February 2018 after Menendez faced corruption charges. Senator Bob Menendez was acquitted of all charges in that case. Menendez and his wife were charged on Friday with accepting bribes, including cash, gold bars, and a luxury vehicle, and using his influence as a Democrat to benefit the Egyptian government. According to prosecutors, an inspection of the couple's home uncovered gold bars worth $100,000 and $480,000 in cash. The indictment against Senator Menendez, which is the second case in the past eight years, is unrelated to previous allegations against him, including receiving gifts to pressure government officials on behalf of a doctor in Florida. Following these allegations, Mr. Menendez immediately resigned from his position as Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. On October 5, Menendez appeared in federal court, denying the bribery charges and declaring his innocence. Bob Menendez, American Senator in court: 'I am innocent.' Menendez: 'Not only will I be acquitted, but I will remain the Senator from New Jersey.' Marco Rubio: 'The charges against Menendez should be reviewed by a grand jury.' Menendez's resignation from the chairmanship of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee; he and his wife are accused of 'accepting bribes.'