Attorneys cite violations to Speech or Debate Cause.
Attorneys for Representative Henry Cuellar of Texas filed a request last week with the Southern Texas U.S. District Court, requesting that the court throw out a federal indictment accusing the congressman of accepting $600,000 in bribes from the country of Azerbaijan over at least a seven-year period. He and his wife are also accused of money laundering and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Representative Cuellar’s lawyers claimed that the indictment contained 16 violations of the Constitution’s Speech or Debate Clause. The Speech or Debate Clause protects lawmaker speech but is also commonly used in the defense of bribery and corruption cases.
His lawyers contend that part of the indictment includes allegations “about the core deliberative and communicative process of the Congressman in the House of Representatives in carrying out his legislative duties.”
“These predicate acts are inextricably tied into the indictment and give reason to believe grand jury violations occurred,” the attorneys argued.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Congressman Cuellar and his wife to be honest and transparent regarding any dealings with the nation of Azerbaijan.
- For Justice Department attorneys to be prudent as they present evidence and arguments to the court.
Sources: Roll Call, Department of Justice
