A federal judge denied Sen. Bob Menendez’s motion to have four charges in his bribery case thrown out, after the New Jersey Democrat argued those actions are protected by the Speech or Debate Clause of the Constitution.
U.S. District Judge Sidney Stein of the Southern District of New York said in an order Thursday that the allegations Menendez sought to get dismissed are not related to legislative acts and therefore not protected by the clause that shields members from being questioned on those grounds.
Lawmakers often make the argument when they face criminal prosecution related to their office. Former Reps. Chris Collins and Duncan Hunter are among those who most recently unsuccessfully argued for protection by the Speech or Debate Clause in their criminal matters.
