House Democratic leaders are keeping opinions on the indictment of Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-TX) close to their chest despite having vocal reactions to the allegations against former New York Rep. George Santos, with some saying the difference in the two men is a reason to keep quiet on the situation.
Cuellar, a congressman of nearly two decades, and his wife, Imelda, were charged by the Department of Justice with several bribery, conspiracy, and money laundering charges. In exchange for payments, Cuellar allegedly used his political influence to affect foreign policy and legislative changes in favor of an Azerbaijani oil and gas company and a bank in Mexico City.
Following the indictment, Cuellar stepped down as ranking member of the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee and as a chief deputy whip. His chief of staff resigned from his position, as well, according to multiple outlets. Cuellar has adamantly denied the accusations.
Most congressional Democrats have stayed relatively silent on the allegations against Cuellar, who did not show up for votes on the House floor on Monday. However, Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar (D-CA) called the accusations against the Texas Democrat an “incredibly serious issue.”
“It’s not lost on House Democrats how serious this is,” Aguilar said during the caucus’s weekly press conference on Tuesday.
“He’s entitled to make his defense. He’s entitled to the presumption of innocence,” Aguilar continued. “We look forward to that process playing out, and just like every American, he’s entitled to that presumption — I think that’s the overwhelming feeling of House Democrats.”
Aguilar’s words regarding Cuellar contrast significantly with his words regarding Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), who is also facing DOJ charges of bribery and acting as a foreign agent. In September last year, Aguilar said it would “be best if [Menendez] resigned” and blasted the embattled senator for blaming his Latino heritage for the investigation against him.
His words were also more guarded than his response to Santos in May 2023, after the House voted to send the expulsion of the New York congressman to the Ethics Committee, a move that initially saved him from ouster before his ultimate December 2023 expulsion.
“BREAKING: House Republicans just voted to protect serial fraudster George Santos from being expelled from Congress. This is a slap in the face to Americans, the law, and democracy itself,” Aguilar wrote in a post on X at the time.
When asked about his difference in the responses to Cuellar compared to Santos, Aguilar pointed to Cuellar’s years of being a “serious public official.”
“Representative Cuellar has been — for decades, he’s been a legislator. He’s been a statewide office holder in Texas. He has deep relationships with Republican colleagues and Democratic colleagues on both sides of the aisle. We know that he is a serious public official, public servant,” Aguilar said. “And I think that’s what sets this apart from other issues and the silliness of George Santos that we’ve had in the past.”
“I think that’s why many of us are treating this a little different. The substance of the allegations are very different, but the individuals are also,” the California Democrat continued.
House Republicans’ campaign arm was quick to cast the situation as a double standard following Aguilar’s remarks.
“If Pete Aguilar’s Twister game was anything like his defense of corrupt Congressman Cuellar he would be a world champion,” National Republican Congressional Committee national press secretary Will Reinert said in a statement.
Other House Democrats are weighing in on Cuellar’s indictment but offering little more than sympathy. Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) told reporters Cuellar tried to call her but that they have not connected.
“I don’t know enough to even comment on it, except to say I’m sad that it is happening, and he has a right to defend himself,” Pelosi said Tuesday.
Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN) has been the only House Democrat to call on Cuellar to resign publicly.
“While the bar for Federal indictment is high, trust in our government is low,” Phillips posted. “That’s why office holders and candidates under indictment should resign or end their campaigns, including Sen. Bob Menendez, Donald Trump, & Rep. Henry Cuellar.”
Santos has used the indictment as an opportunity to knock House members for their expulsion actions against him. He became the sixth member in the history of the House to be forced out of Congress last December.
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“So here’s the thing… is miss thang @RepRobertGarcia going to draft an expulsion resolution for Henry Cuellar?” Santos posted on X Saturday. “Inquiring minds want to know.”
“Hey @RitchieTorres are you going to draft an expulsion resolution for Henry Cuellar?” Santos wrote in another post on X. “Or is that just for republicans who flip seats? Inquiring minds want to know.”
