US Senator Menendez defiantly rejects corruption charges and critics, vows to stay in Congress

US Democratic Senator Bob Menendez has rejected calls to step down from his seat in Congress after being charged with taking bribes from three New Jersey businessmen. Despite some elected officials urging him to resign, Menendez has denied wrongdoing and vowed to stay in the Senate. His decision may complicate his party's efforts to maintain its narrow majority in the chamber. Menendez has temporarily stepped down from his role as chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, as required by Senate Democratic rules. Prosecutors allege that Menendez accepted gold bars and cash in exchange for using his influence to aid the Egyptian government and interfere with law enforcement investigations.