Henry Cuellar Indicted on Bribery Charges
Texas Democrat Accused of Accepting Nearly $600,000 from Foreign Entities
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) and his wife have been indicted on charges of accepting nearly $600,000 in bribes from two foreign entities, according to a federal indictment unsealed Thursday.
The indictment alleges that Cuellar accepted bribes from a foreign government and a foreign businessman in exchange for using his position to influence U.S. policy in favor of those entities. The bribes were allegedly paid through a variety of means, including cash, campaign contributions, and travel expenses.
Cuellar is a veteran of the U.S. House of Representatives, having served since 2005. He is a member of the House Democratic Caucus and is considered to be a moderate Democrat.
The indictment is a significant development in the ongoing investigation into foreign influence in U.S. elections. It is the first time that a sitting member of Congress has been charged with accepting bribes from a foreign entity since 2016.
Cuellar has denied the charges and has vowed to fight them in court. He has also said that he will not resign from Congress.
The indictment is a major blow to Cuellar's political career. It is unclear whether he will be able to overcome the charges and remain in office.
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