Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas and his wife have been charged with accepting nearly $600,000 in bribes from two foreign entities, according to an indictment in federal court in Texas. The alleged scheme took place from late 2014 through at least November 2021, with the congressman and his wife facing charges including conspiracy to commit bribery of a federal official, violating the ban on public officials acting as agents of a foreign principal, and money laundering. Cuellar, in a statement, proclaimed his innocence and stated that everything he has done in Congress has been to serve the people of South Texas.
Cuellar defended his actions in Congress as being in the interest of the American people and vowed to continue his bid for reelection in November. He also refuted the allegations against his wife, emphasizing her qualifications and hard work. Prosecutors allege that the couple engaged in bribery schemes with an oil and gas company owned by the Government of Azerbaijan and a bank headquartered in Mexico City. As part of the schemes, Cuellar promised to perform official acts, influence US policy, and advocate for legislative measures favored by the foreign entities.
The indictment details promises made by Cuellar to the Azerbaijan oil company, including giving a pro-Azerbaijani speech on the House floor, inserting language favored by Azerbaijan into legislation, and advocating for measures related to Azerbaijan’s conflict with neighboring Armenia. Cuellar also allegedly agreed to influence financial regulations to benefit the Mexican bank and its affiliates. The bribery payments were funneled through shell companies owned by Imelda Cuellar, and the proceeds were used for various expenses, including taxes, debt payments, and luxury purchases such as a $12,000 custom gown.
Cuellar’s home and campaign office in Laredo, Texas, were raided by the FBI in 2022. As the investigation continues, Cuellar has temporarily stepped down from his position on a House Appropriations Subcommittee. While a spokesperson for House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized Cuellar’s entitlement to the presumption of innocence, the National Republican Congressional Committee called for Cuellar’s resignation. The opposition party criticized Democrats for their response to the charges, questioning their commitment to putting “people over politics.”
The congressman’s charges and the subsequent fallout have sparked discussions about political corruption and ethics in government. Public officials’ integrity and honesty are under scrutiny, and calls for accountability and transparency in elected representatives are growing louder. The case highlights the complexities of political influence and the need for stringent regulations to prevent abuses of power. As the legal process unfolds, the implications of the charges against Cuellar and his wife may have lasting effects on the political landscape in Texas and beyond.
