WASHINGTON– Senator Ben Cardin, D-Md., led his first meeting as chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday after the former chair stepped down in disgrace.
Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J, who was not present for the new chair’s opening remarks, stepped down from his position as chairman last week after he and his wife were indicted on charges of bribery and corruption.
“As I accept the chairmanship with great humility,” said Sen. Cardin, “we will continue to advance our values and national interests on the global stage.” Sen. Cardin said.
Sen. James Risch of Idaho, the committee’s senior Republican, also acknowledged the shift in leadership and the bipartisan interests of the influential committee.
“Changes are inevitable,” he said. “We have a process in place for a seamless transition. There’s nothing more nonpartisan and bipartisan than the national interests and the national security of the United States of America.”
Menendez still faces calls to step down from his Senate seat from his colleagues. “Stepping down is not an admission of guilt, but an acknowledgement that holding public office often demands tremendous sacrifices at great personal cost,” Sen. Corey Booker, D-N.J., said in a statement.
Sen. Menendez has denied any wrongdoing and has not vacated his seat.