New bill seeks to strengthen bribery statute after Sen. Menendez accused of taking gold bars, cash for official acts
CBSN
The criminal charges against New Jersey Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez — which include allegations of accepting gifts and cash in exchange for official acts— have prompted a bipartisan attempt in Congress to expand federal law on bribery.
The legislation, first reported by CBS News, comes from Democratic Rep. Angie Craig of Minnesota and has the support of GOP Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina. Craig explicitly tied Menendez's alleged actions to the bill she's introducing.
"Public officials should be held to the highest ethical and legal standards – not be immune from them," Craig said in a statement. "Senator Menendez' case is an urgently needed reminder of the risks weak bribery laws pose to our democracy and national security. My bipartisan bill changes that to ensure public officials who abuse their office can be held accountable."
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