Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey is returning as the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, days after the Justice Department dismissed corruption charges against the veteran lawmaker.
Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, New York Democrat, announced Tuesday Mr. Menendez, who is up for re-election in the fall, has been reappointed as ranking member on the powerful committee.
“Now more than ever, it is critical that the United States remains fully engaged across the globe and that we project the principles of our democratic ideals as we confront the emerging threats and demands we face under the Trump Administration,” Mr. Menendez said. “At a time of great uncertainty and global insecurity, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee must pursue a robust American foreign policy that champions the values of democracy, peace, and the preservation of human rights.”
Mr. Menendez stepped down from his position in 2015 after he was indicted on corruption and bribery charges.
His 11-week trial came to a close in November when a federal judge declared a mistrial after the jury remained deadlocked.
The Justice Department indicated that it planned to retry the case, but that changed last month after Judge William H. Walls acquitted Mr. Menendez and co-defendant Salomon Melgen of seven of the 18 corruption charges they faced.
Federal prosecutors had accused Mr. Menendez of accepting various gifts from Mr. Melgen in exchange for wielding his political influence on behalf of the doctor. Both men maintained their innocence.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.