Senate Democrats Consider Expulsion Of Menendez After Bribery Conviction

Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., leaves federal court in New York, Tuesday, July 16, 2024. Menendez has been convicted of all the charges he faced at his corruption trial, including accepting bribes of gold

Senator Bob Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat, has been convicted on bribery charges, but he has not shown any intention of resigning from the Senate voluntarily. This has led Democratic senators to consider an expulsion effort to remove him from office. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy have both called for Menendez's resignation, with Governor Murphy stating that the Senate should expel Menendez if he does not step down.

Expulsion from the Senate requires a two-thirds majority and is a rare occurrence. The last serious consideration of expulsion was almost 30 years ago, and only 15 senators have ever been expelled, mostly during the Civil War. Despite the rarity of this action, senators are gearing up for the push to remove Menendez.

Senator Cory Booker, the other Democratic senator from New Jersey, has expressed his support for Menendez's removal from the Senate if he does not resign voluntarily. Menendez, who was found guilty of accepting bribes and acting as a foreign agent, has vowed to appeal the verdict, maintaining his innocence.

Democratic senators considering expulsion effort to remove Menendez from office.

Senator Menendez convicted of bribery but refuses to resign voluntarily.

Expulsion from the Senate requires a two-thirds majority and is rare.

While under indictment, Menendez relinquished his position as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee but continued to attend classified briefings, causing discontent among his colleagues. The Senate Ethics Committee has announced that it will promptly complete an investigation into Menendez, with expulsion being a potential recommendation.

If Menendez does not resign, individual senators could move for a snap vote on expulsion, although this could be blocked by objections from other senators, including Menendez himself. The committee's recommendation has historically been enough to prompt resignation, as seen in past cases.

As the November election approaches, the pressure on Menendez to step down or face expulsion will likely intensify. Several Democrats in challenging reelection races have already indicated their support for expulsion. If Menendez resigns or is expelled, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy would appoint a replacement, with Rep. Andy Kim being a potential candidate.