AOC Calls for Sen. Bob Menendez's Resignation Amid Bribery Charges

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has joined a growing chorus of Democrats calling for Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., to resign from office after he was indicted on bribery charges15. During an interview on CBS's "Face the Nation," AOC said that the situation is "extremely serious" and that Menendez should resign to maintain the integrity of the seat1. "The situation is quite unfortunate, but I do believe that it is in the best interest for Sen. Menendez to resign in this moment. As you mentioned, consistency matters. It shouldn't matter whether it's a Republican or a Democrat," AOC said1.

Menendez is accused of taking gold bars and bribes and stashing hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash around his house in return for using his “power and influence” to benefit the Egyptian government and two local businessmen13. The charges also include allegations that Menendez attempted to intervene in a criminal case against a local developer by recommending President Biden pick a New Jersey US Attorney who the senator believed would apply a light touch to the cause1.

While some Democrats have called for Menendez's resignation, others have been more reluctant to do so46. Menendez has maintained his innocence and has the support of some of his colleagues in the Senate, including Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin2. Menendez is a veteran politician who has served in the Senate since 2006 and was re-elected in 20181.

Key facts from the story:

• Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has joined a growing chorus of Democrats calling for Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., to resign from office after he was indicted on bribery charges15.
• Menendez is accused of taking gold bars and bribes and stashing hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash around his house in return for using his “power and influence” to benefit the Egyptian government and two local businessmen13.
• The charges also include allegations that Menendez attempted to intervene in a criminal case against a local developer by recommending President Biden pick a New Jersey US Attorney who the senator believed would apply a light touch to the cause1.
• While some Democrats have called for Menendez's resignation, others have been more reluctant to do so46.
• Menendez has maintained his innocence and has the support of some of his colleagues in the Senate, including Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin2.