The House Ethics Committee has unanimously decided to investigate Representative Henry Cuellar from Texas following his indictment on federal bribery and corruption charges. The committee will examine allegations of bribery, acting as a foreign agent, money laundering violations, misuse of official position and false statements.
The House Ethics Committee has initiated an investigation into Representative Henry Cuellar, a Texas Democrat, following his recent indictment on federal bribery and corruption charges. The decision, made unanimously by the committee, came after Cuellar and his wife Imelda were accused of participating in a $600,000 bribery scheme involving an Azerbaijani oil company and a Mexican bank. The charges were officially announced in an indictment earlier this month.
Rep. Michael Guest, a Republican from Mississippi, will chair the subcommittee leading the investigation, while Rep. Glenn F. Ivey of Maryland will serve as the top Democrat. The subcommittee will examine allegations that Cuellar solicited or accepted bribes, acted as a foreign agent, violated money laundering laws, misused his official position, and made false statements on public disclosure forms.
Cuellar, who has represented Texas in the House since 2005, denies the allegations and vows to continue serving his constituents. He has stepped down from his position on the House Appropriations Committee amid the ongoing legal proceedings. Both he and his wife have pleaded not guilty and were released on bail.
The Ethics Committee’s investigation will proceed concurrently with the Department of Justice’s case, which has raised concerns regarding dual investigations. Committee members stated their intention to coordinate with federal prosecutors to mitigate any potential risks while fulfilling their mandate to uphold the integrity of the House.