Rep. Henry Cuellar is professing his innocence ahead of an expected federal indictment.
Federal officials raided the Texas Democrat’s residence in 2022 as part of an investigation involving Azerbaijan.
Mr. Cuellar, who was previously co-chair of the Congressional Azerbaijan Caucus, said in a statement Friday that he was “innocent of these allegations.”
“Before I took any action, I proactively sought legal advice from the House Ethics Committee, who gave me more than one written opinion, along with an additional opinion from a national law firm.”
He added, “The actions I took in Congress were consistent with the actions of many of my colleagues and in the interest of the American people.”
Last month, his attorney said he was not the target of any probe.
The allegations of wrongdoing appeared to center on his wife’s career.
Mr. Cuellar said his wife, Imelda Cuellar, is “an accomplished businesswoman with two degrees” who “spent her career working with banking, tax, and consulting.”
He said, “The allegation that she is anything but qualified and hard-working is both wrong and offensive.”
They have been married for 32 years.
Mr. Cuellar also said he attempted to talk with prosecutors “to explain the facts and they refused to discuss the case with us or to hear our side.”
The Washington Times reached out to the Justice Department for comment.
Mr. Cuellar is one of the most moderate members of his party’s caucus and is pro-life. He said he is “running for re-election and will win this November.”
His district, which extends from San Antonio to the border, was won by President Biden by seven points in 2020. House Democratic leaders endorsed Mr. Cuellar last year. However, he narrowly won his primary in 2022 over a more liberal opponent.
• Kerry Picket can be reached at kpicket@washingtontimes.com.
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