Despite being found guilty of corruption charges, Senator Bob Menendez continued to receive access to classified briefings, raising concerns about the potential for national security breaches.
Senior congressional correspondent Chad Pergram reports on the fallout on Capitol Hill after Senator Bob Menendez was found guilty on corruption charges.
Despite his conviction, Menendez has continued to receive access to classified briefings, a privilege that some experts believe should be revoked.
Senator Menendez Maintained Access to Classified Briefings Despite Corruption Trial Conviction
"It's deeply concerning that an elected official who has been found guilty of corruption charges would still have access to classified briefings," said former CIA officer John Sipher.
"These briefings contain sensitive information that could potentially be used to harm our national security."
Senator Menendez Maintained Access to Classified Briefings Despite Corruption Trial Conviction
Menendez has denied any wrongdoing, and his attorney has vowed to appeal the verdict.
However, the fact that he is still receiving access to classified briefings has raised eyebrows among members of Congress and intelligence officials.
Senator Menendez Maintained Access to Classified Briefings Despite Corruption Trial Conviction
"I believe that we need to review our policies on access to classified information and make sure that we are not putting our national security at risk," said Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL).
"This is a serious matter that needs to be addressed."
Senator Menendez Maintained Access to Classified Briefings Despite Corruption Trial Conviction
Menendez is not the first member of Congress to be convicted of a crime while still in office.
In 2010, former Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) was convicted of corruption charges and expelled from the Senate.
However, he never lost access to classified briefings until after his expulsion.
The Menendez case is different in that he was never expelled from the Senate and has continued to receive access to classified briefings despite his conviction.
This has led to calls from some lawmakers and intelligence officials to change the rules on access to classified information.
"We need to make sure that we have a clear policy in place that prevents anyone who has been convicted of a crime from having access to classified information," said Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA).
"This is a matter of national security."
The House of Representatives is expected to vote on a resolution that would revoke Menendez's access to classified briefings.
It is unclear whether the resolution will pass the Senate, but it is a sign that the issue is being taken seriously.
The Menendez case has also raised questions about the ethics of elected officials who are facing criminal charges.
"It's important for elected officials to hold themselves to a higher standard of ethical conduct," said former Attorney General Eric Holder.
"When they are charged with a crime, they should step down from their positions until the charges are resolved."
Menendez has refused to step down, and he has vowed to continue fighting the charges against him.
However, the fact that he is still receiving access to classified briefings has raised serious concerns about the potential for national security breaches.
