Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) on Monday batted away calls from fellow Democrats for him to resign while acknowledging the multi-faceted challenges he faces after being indicted on federal bribery charges.
“I recognize that this will be the biggest fight yet,” Menendez said during a press conference in New Jersey. “But as I have stated through this whole process, I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be New Jersey’s senior senator.”
New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) — as well as several members of Congress — have called for Menendez’s resignation. Murphy said Friday “the alleged facts are so serious that they compromise the ability of Senator Menendez to effectively represent the people of our state.”
One Democrat calling for Menendez to step aside is Rep. Andy Kim (D-N.J.), who announced over the weekend that he would launch a primary challenge against Menendez for his Senate seat.
Menendez noted Monday that this isn’t his first legal challenge — he faced corruption charges in 2015 that were dropped in 2018 — and criticized those who he said have already come to a conclusion about the current charges.
“Remember, prosecutors get it wrong sometimes. Sadly, I know that. Instead of waiting for all the facts to be presented, others have rushed to judgment, because they see a political opportunity for themselves or those around them,” he said.
Welcome to Evening Report! I’m Amee LaTour, catching you up from the afternoon and what’s coming tomorrow. Not on the list? Subscribe here.
CATCH UP QUICK
Rep. Dean Phillips (D-Minn.) says he hasn’t ruled out a primary challenge to President Biden, while also saying “there are people who are more proximate, better prepared to campaign with national organizations, national name recognition, which I do not possess.”
The Hill’s Ella Lee and Zach Schonfeld lay out what’s next in the four criminal cases against former President Trump.
A federal appeals court has sided with the Biden administration against Utah in a lawsuit over an Environmental Protection Agency rule regulating the flow of air pollution across state lines.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) have agreed to a 90-minute debate on Nov. 30 with Fox News host Sean Hannity as moderator.
The governors have been in public conflict for more than a year over a variety of issues, including abortion, guns and migrant flights.
Newsom has pushed back on speculation of a potential 2024 presidential bid. Some see the California governor as a potential 2028 Democratic candidate for president.
Worth noting: Both governors will be at the second GOP presidential primary debate this Wednesday — DeSantis as a candidate and Newsom as head of the Biden reelection campaign’s response effort.
CONGRESS
Senate to move on stopgap this week
After a proposed continuing resolution didn’t get anywhere in the House last week, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) is making moves to pass a stopgap in the upper chamber first ahead of the Sept. 30 government funding deadline.
What’s next: “The Senate is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to take the first in a series of procedural votes that will tee up the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill, which Schumer will use as the legislative vehicle to pass the continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government open,” The Hill’s Alexander Bolton explained. More here.
The government is restarting its free at-home COVID-19 test program, with the order form live today and shipments expected to start next week. Learn how to get four free tests here.
Ukraine receives first Abrams tanks
The first U.S. Abrams tanks have arrived in Ukraine after the country’s forces received training from the U.S. military on using and maintaining the tanks.
“By having these tanks in their arsenal, the Ukrainian army can more effectively discourage aggressive actions,” a Defense Department spokesperson told The Hill.
Amazon is investing up to $4 billion in artificial intelligence (AI) startup Anthropic, the company behind the recently released chatbot Claude 2.
PUNDIT CORNER
“I served in the House for 28 years. It’s now more dysfunctional than ever.” — former Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) (Read here)
“If we think our government looks chaotic, imagine China and Russia’s view” — Harlan Ullman Ph.D., a senior advisor at Washington D.C.’s Atlantic Council and the prime author of the “shock and awe” military doctrine. (Read here)
⏲️ COUNTDOWN
2 days until the second GOP presidential primary debate.
5 days until the government funding deadline.
🗓 ON TAP THIS WEEK
Monday: MSNBC’s Rachel Maddowinterviews former White House aide Cassidy Hutchinson at 9 p.m. ET.
Tuesday: President Biden will be in Michigan with striking United Auto Workers (UAW) members.
Wednesday: The second GOP debate airs at 9 p.m. ET (find out how to watch it here). Former President Trumpspeaks in Detroit to striking UAW workers.
Thursday: The House Oversight and Accountability Committee holds the first impeachment inquiry hearing, titled “The Basis for an Impeachment Inquiry of President Joseph R. Biden, Jr.”
Friday: The California Republican Party holds its fall convention, with Trump as the lunch speaker and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis as the dinner keynote speaker.
UNDER THE RADAR
There a story you think should be getting more attention? Something people should be talking about? Drop me a line: ALaTour@digital-stage.thehill.com
