‘The actions I took in Congress were consistent with the actions of many of my colleagues and in the interest of the American people.’
Mr. Cuellar, who has represented Texas’s 28th Congressional District since 2005, said in the statement that he and his wife were both innocent and all of his actions in Congress have “been to serve the people of South Texas.”
“Before I took any action, I proactively sought legal advice from the House Ethics Committee, who gave me more than one written opinion, along with an additional opinion from a national law firm,” Mr. Cuellar said in the statement obtained by The Epoch Times. “The actions I took in Congress were consistent with the actions of many of my colleagues and in the interest of the American people.”
“There is an ongoing investigation that will show that there was no wrongdoing on my part,” Mr. Cuellar said at the time. “As an attorney, I know firsthand that the legal system is the pillar of our democracy. I pride myself on being your congressman and always doing things honestly, ethically and the right way.”
Mr. Cuellar is seen as a moderate Democrat who has previously criticized President Joe Biden’s handling of immigration and border policy. His district includes land that touches the U.S.–Mexico border.
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More from Mr. Cuellar
In the statement released following the news of his pending indictment, Mr. Cuellar said he had met with prosecutors in Washington to explain “the facts” but that they had “refused to discuss the case” with him and his wife or “hear [their] side.”
“Imelda and I have been married for 32 years,” he said. “On top of being an amazing wife and mother, she’s an accomplished businesswoman with two degrees. She spent her career working with banking, tax, and consulting. The allegation that she is anything but qualified and hard working is both wrong and offensive.”
He added the allegations, which are still unclear, have been difficult on his family, but with prayer he seeks to overcome them.
“As the son of migrant workers, I was taught to wake up early and work hard,” he added. “That’s exactly what I’ve always done for the people of South Texas. I’ve devoted my life’s work to creating jobs here, improving education, and securing our border.”
He said he would not shy away from running for re-election this November and added that he was going “to win.”
2022 Raid
FBI agents were seen at Mr. Cuellar’s home and campaign office on Jan. 19, 2022. Photographs shared by local reporters showed agents at Mr. Cuellar’s residence in Laredo removing bags, bins, and at least one computer.
The FBI said at the time in a statement to media outlets that the bureau “was present in Laredo conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity,” without elaborating.
Mr. Cuellar, 66, has represented Texas’s 28th Congressional District since 2005. The district includes land that touches the U.S.–Mexico border.
Isabel van Brugen, and Zachary Stieber contributed to this report.
Original News Source Link – Epoch Times
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