‘The actions I took in Congress have been in keeping with the actions of lots of my colleagues and within the curiosity of the American folks.’
Mr. Cuellar, who has represented Texas’s twenty eighth Congressional District since 2005, mentioned within the assertion that he and his spouse have been each harmless and all of his actions in Congress have “been to serve the folks of South Texas.”
“Earlier than I took any motion, I proactively sought authorized recommendation from the Home Ethics Committee, who gave me a couple of written opinion, together with an extra opinion from a nationwide regulation agency,” Mr. Cuellar mentioned within the assertion obtained by The Epoch Occasions. “The actions I took in Congress have been in keeping with the actions of lots of my colleagues and within the curiosity of the American folks.”
“There may be an ongoing investigation that can present that there was no wrongdoing on my half,” Mr. Cuellar mentioned on the time. “As an lawyer, I do know firsthand that the authorized system is the pillar of our democracy. I delight myself on being your congressman and all the time doing issues truthfully, ethically and the best manner.”
Mr. Cuellar is seen as a average Democrat who has beforehand criticized President Joe Biden’s dealing with of immigration and border coverage. His district contains land that touches the U.S.–Mexico border.
Extra from Mr. Cuellar
Within the assertion launched following the information of his pending indictment, Mr. Cuellar mentioned he had met with prosecutors in Washington to elucidate “the information” however that they’d “refused to debate the case” with him and his spouse or “hear [their] facet.”
“Imelda and I’ve been married for 32 years,” he mentioned. “On high of being a tremendous spouse and mom, she’s an completed businesswoman with two levels. She spent her profession working with banking, tax, and consulting. The allegation that she is something however certified and laborious working is each improper and offensive.”
He added the allegations, that are nonetheless unclear, have been troublesome on his household, however with prayer he seeks to beat them.
“Because the son of migrant staff, I used to be taught to get up early and work laborious,” he added. “That’s precisely what I’ve all the time executed for the folks of South Texas. I’ve devoted my life’s work to creating jobs right here, bettering schooling, and securing our border.”
He mentioned he wouldn’t draw back from operating for re-election this November and added that he was going “to win.”
2022 Raid
FBI brokers have been seen at Mr. Cuellar’s house and marketing campaign workplace on Jan. 19, 2022. Images shared by native reporters confirmed brokers at Mr. Cuellar’s residence in Laredo eradicating luggage, bins, and not less than one laptop.
The FBI mentioned on the time in an announcement to media shops that the bureau “was current in Laredo conducting court-authorized regulation enforcement exercise,” with out elaborating.
Mr. Cuellar, 66, has represented Texas’s twenty eighth Congressional District since 2005. The district contains land that touches the U.S.–Mexico border.
Isabel van Brugen, and Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.