Bob Menendez Sr.

Bob Menendez

Democratic Party

Prior offices

Union City School District, At-large

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Union City Board of Education (Chief Financial Officer)

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Mayor of Union City New Jersey

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New Jersey General Assembly

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New Jersey State Senate

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U.S. House New Jersey District 13

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U.S. Senate New Jersey

Successor: George Helmy

Predecessor: Jon Corzine

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Report an officeholder change

Education

Bachelor's

Saint Peter's College

Law

Rutgers School of Law, Newark

Personal

Religion

Christian: Catholic

Profession

Attorney

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign YouTube

Personal LinkedIn

Bob Menendez (Democratic Party) was a member of the U.S. Senate from New Jersey. He assumed office on January 18, 2006. He left office on August 20, 2024.

Menendez (independent) ran for re-election to the U.S. Senate to represent New Jersey. He did not appear on the ballot for the general election on November 5, 2024. He did not appear on the ballot for the Democratic primary on June 4, 2024.

On July 16, 2024, Menendez was convicted on 16 counts of federal corruption charges. Please click here for more information. On July 23, 2024, he announced that he would resign from the U.S. Senate effective August 20.

On March 21, 2024, Menendez announced he would not run in the Democratic primary for his U.S. Senate seat but was open to running as an independent candidate. He later filed a petition to appear on the 2024 ballot as an independent. Menendez was most recently elected to the Senate in 2018 as a Democrat. On August 16, Menendez formally requested that his name be removed from the ballot.

In 2013, Menendez was a member of the bipartisan Gang of Eight immigration reform group. He and seven other senators wrote the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act. The bill proposed providing a path to citizenship for individuals residing in the country without legal permission, border security measures, improving the employment verification system, and improving work visa options, among other things. The bill passed the Senate but was never voted on by the House.

Prior to his election to the U.S. Senate in 2006, Menendez served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1993 to 2006. He also served in the New Jersey State Senate, representing District 33 from 1991 to 1993, and the New Jersey General Assembly, representing District 33 from 1988 to 1991. He was also the mayor of Union City from 1987 to 1991.

Biography

Menendez was born in New York City to Cuban immigrants, but his family later moved to New Jersey, where he graduated from Union Hill High School in Union City. He earned a B.A. from Saint Peter's College in Jersey City and earned his Juris Doctor degree from Rutgers School of Law in Newark.

Career

Below is an abbreviated outline of Menendez's academic, professional, and political career:

• 2006-2024: U.S. Senator from New Jersey
• 1993-2006: U.S. House of Representatives
• 1991-1993: New Jersey State Senate
• 1987-1991: New Jersey State General Assembly
• 1986-1992: Union City, New Jersey mayor
• 1974-1978: Union City, New Jersey Board of Education

Committee assignments

U.S. Senate

2023-2024

Menendez was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

• Committee on Foreign Relations
• Committee on Finance

2021-2022

Menendez was assigned to the following committees:^[Source]

• Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
• Housing, Transportation, and Community Development
• Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection
• Securities, Insurance, and Investment, Chair
• Committee on Finance
• Health Care
• International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness
• Taxation and IRS Oversight
• Committee on Foreign Relations

2017-2018

At the beginning of the 115th Congress, Menendez was assigned to the following committees:

• Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
• Committee on Finance
• Committee on Foreign Relations

2015-2016

Menendez served on the following committees:

• Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
  • Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development, Ranking Member
  • Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection
  • Subcommittee on Securities, Insurance, and Investment
• Finance Committee
  • Subcommittee on Health Care
  • Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight
• Foreign Relations Committee

2013-2014

Menendez served on the following Senate committees:

• Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
  • Subcommittee on Securities, Insurance and Investment
  • Subcommittee on Financial Institutions and Consumer Protection Members
  • Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation and Community Development Chairman
• Committee on Finance
  • The Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness
  • The Subcommittee on Taxation and IRS Oversight
  • The Subcommittee on Healthcare
• Committee on Foreign Relations Chairman

2011-2012

Menendez served on the following committees:

• Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
  • Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation, and Community Development (Chairman)
• Committee on Finance
  • Subcommittee on Health Care
  • Subcommittee on Taxation, IRS Oversight, and Long-Term Growth
  • Subcommittee on International Trade, Customs, and Global Competitiveness
• Committee on Foreign Relations
  • Subcommittee on Western Hemisphere, Peace Corps and Narcotics Affairs (Chairman)
  • Subcommittee on International Operations and Organizations, Human Rights, Democracy and Global Women's Issues
  • Subcommittee on European Affairs
  • Subcommittee on International Development and Foreign Assistance, Economic Affairs, and International Environmental Protection

Key votes

See also: Key votes

Ballotpedia monitors legislation that receives a vote and highlights the ones that we consider to be key to understanding where elected officials stand on the issues. To read more about how we identify key votes, click here.

Key votes: 118th Congress, 2023-2025

The 118th United States Congress began on January 3, 2023, and ended on January 3, 2025. At the start of the session, Republicans held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (222-212), and Democrats held the majority in the U.S. Senate (51-49). Joe Biden (D) was the president and Kamala Harris (D) was the vice president. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia.

Key votes: 118th Congress, 2023-2025
Vote	Bill and description	Status
Yea	National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024   The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (H.R. 2670) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 22, 2023, authorizing Department of Defense activities and programs for fiscal year 2024. The bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate to pass the bill as amended by a Senate and House conference report.	Passed (87-13)
Yea	Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024   The Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024 (H.R. 6363) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on November 17, 2023, providing for the funding of federal agencies through January 19, 2024. The bill prevented a government shutdown that would have taken place if funding was not approved by November 17, 2023. The bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate.	Passed (87-11)
Yea	Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act   The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2024 and Other Extensions Act (H.R. 5860) was a bill approved by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 30, 2023, providing for the funding of federal agencies through November 17, 2023. The bill prevented a government shutdown that would have taken place if funding was not approved by October 1, 2023. The bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate.	Passed (88-9)
Yea	Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023   The Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2023 (H.R. 3746) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on June 3, 2023. The bill raised the federal debt limit until January 2025. The bill also capped non-defense spending in fiscal year 2024, rescinded unspent coronavirus relief funding, rescinded some Internal Revenue Service (IRS) funding, enhanced work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program (TANF), simplified environmental reviews for energy projects, and ended the student loan debt repayment pause in August 2023. The bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate. Click here to read more.	Passed (63-36)
Nay	Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020.   H.J.Res. 7 (Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on March 13, 2020.) was a joint resolution of disapproval under the terms of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on April 10, 2023. The resolution ended the national coronavirus state of emergency, which began on March 13, 2020. The resolution required a simple majority vote in the Senate. Click here to read more.	Passed (68-23)
Nay	Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives relating to "Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilizing Braces'".   H.J.Res. 44 (Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives relating to "Factoring Criteria for Firearms with Attached 'Stabilizing Braces'".) was a joint resolution of disapproval under the terms of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) passed by the House of Representatives and voted down by the Senate. The bill sought to nullify a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) rule establishing criteria to determine whether firearms equipped with stabilizing braces that facilitate shoulder fire were subject to regulation under the National Firearms Act. The resolution required a simple majority vote in the Senate.	Failed (50-49)
Nay	Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights".   H.J.Res. 30 (Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Prudence and Loyalty in Selecting Plan Investments and Exercising Shareholder Rights".) was a joint resolution of disapproval under the terms of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) passed by the 118th Congress and vetoed by President Joe Biden (D) on March 20, 2023. This was Biden's first veto of his presidency. The resolution sought to nullify a Department of Labor rule that amended the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA) to allow retirement plans to consider certain environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) factors in investment-related decisions. The resolution required a simple majority vote in the Senate. Click here to read more.	Passed (50-46)
Yea	Consolidated Appropriations Act 2024   The Consolidated Appropriations Act 2024 (H.R. 4366) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 9, 2024, authorizing appropriations for various government departments for the fiscal year 2024. The bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House to pass the bill as amended by a Senate and House conference report.	Passed (75-22)
Not Voting	FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024   The FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (H.R. 3935) was a bill passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on May 16, 2024, that reauthorized Federal Aviation Administration funding until fiscal year 2028. The bill also made other modifications to address various department-related issues. The bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the House to pass the bill as amended by a Senate and House conference report.	Passed (88-4)
Yea	Impeaching Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors (dismissal of first article)   H.Res.863 Impeaching Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors, passed the U.S. House on February 13, 2024. The resolution impeached U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas for high crimes and misdemeanors. The motion to impeach required a majority in the House and a 2/3rds vote in the Senate.	Passed (51-48)
Yea	Impeaching Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors (dismissal of second article)   H.Res.863 Impeaching Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, for high crimes and misdemeanors, passed the U.S. House on February 13, 2024. The resolution impeached U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas for high crimes and misdemeanors. The motion to impeach required a majority in the House and a 2/3rds vote in the Senate.	Passed (51-49)
Yea	Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes.   H.R. 815, Making emergency supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes, was passed by the 118th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on April 24, 2024, appropriating foreign aid to Israel, Taiwan, and Ukraine. The bill also mandated the company ByteDance divested from TikTok or the app would be removed from the U.S. This bill required a majority vote.	Passed (79-18)
Not Voting	Border Act of 2024   The Border Act of 2024 (S.4361) was voted down in the U.S. Senate on April 23, 2024. The bill would have expanded the Department of Homeland Security's capabilities of handling individuals entering/residing in the country without permission. It would have expanded the Department's capabilities at the border. It required 3/5ths of the vote to pass cloture.	Failed (43-50)
Not Voting	Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024   The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024 (H.R.7024) was a bill passed by the U.S. House on January 31, 2024, that would have modified the U.S. tax code, increasing how much money can be given back in credits and what is exempt. This bill required a 2/3rds majority vote to pass.	Failed (48-44)

Key votes: Previous sessions of Congress

Key votes (click "show" to expand or "hide" to contract)

Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023 The 117th United States Congress began on January 3, 2021 and ended on January 3, 2023. At the start of the session, Democrats held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (222-213), and the U.S. Senate had a 50-50 makeup. Democrats assumed control of the Senate on January 20, 2021, when President Joe Biden (D) and Vice President Kamala Harris (D), who acted as a tie-breaking vote in the chamber, assumed office. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia. Key votes: 117th Congress, 2021-2023 Vote Bill and description Status Yea Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act   The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (H.R. 3684) was a federal infrastructure bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on November 15, 2021. Among other provisions, the bill provided funding for new infrastructure projects and reauthorizations, Amtrak maintenance and development, bridge repair, replacement, and rehabilitation, clean drinking water, high-speed internet, and clean energy transmission and power infrastructure upgrades. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Click here to read more. Passed (69-30) Yea American Rescue Plan Act of 2021   The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (H.R. 1319) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 11, 2021, to provide economic relief in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Key features of the bill included funding for a national vaccination program and response, funding to safely reopen schools, distribution of $1,400 per person in relief payments, and extended unemployment benefits. The bill required a 1/2 majority vote in the Senate. Click here to read more. Passed (50-49) Yea Inflation Reduction Act of 2022   The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 16, 2022, to address climate change, healthcare costs, and tax enforcement. Key features of the bill included a $369 billion investment to address energy security and climate change, an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, allowing Medicare to negotiate certain drug prices, a 15% corporate minimum tax, a 1% stock buyback fee, and enhanced Internal Revenue Service (IRS) enforcement, and an estimated $300 billion deficit reduction from 2022-2031. The bill required a 1/2 majority vote in the Senate. Click here to read more. Passed (51-50) Yea National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022   The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022 (S. 1605) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 27, 2021, authorizing Department of Defense acitivities and programs for fiscal year 2022. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (88-11) Yea James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023   The James M. Inhofe National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2023 (H.R. 7776) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 23, 2022, authorizing Department of Defense activities and programs for fiscal year 2023. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (83-11) Yea Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022   The Sergeant First Class Heath Robinson Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics Act of 2022 (S. 3373) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 10, 2022, that sought to address healthcare access, the presumption of service-connection, and research, resources, and other matters related to veterans who were exposed to toxic substances during military service. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (86-11) Yea Chips and Science Act   The Chips and Science Act (H.R. 4346) was a bill approved by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on August 9, 2022, which sought to fund domestic production of semiconductors and authorized various federal science agency programs and activities. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (64-33) Yea Women’s Health Protection Act of 2021   The Women's Health Protection Act of 2021 (H.R. 3755) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives. The bill proposed prohibiting governmental restrictions on the provision of and access to abortion services and prohibiting governments from issuing some other abortion-related restrictions. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Failed (46-48) Yea Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022   The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022 (H.R. 2471) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on March 15, 2022, providing for the funding of federal agencies for the remainder of 2022, providing funding for activities related to Ukraine, and modifying or establishing various programs. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (68-31) Yea Respect for Marriage Act   The Respect for Marriage Act (H.R. 8404) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 13, 2022. The bill codified the recognition of marriages between individuals of the same sex and of different races, ethnicities, or national origins, and provided that the law would not impact religious liberty or conscience protections, or provide grounds to compel nonprofit religious organizations to recognize same-sex marriages. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Click here to read more. Passed (61-36) Yea Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023   The Continuing Appropriations and Ukraine Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2023 (H.R. 6833) was a bill approved by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 30, 2022. It provided for some fiscal year 2023 appropriations, supplemental funds for Ukraine, and extended several other programs and authorities. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (72-25) Yea COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act   The COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act (S. 937) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on May 20, 2021, that included provisions to designate an officer or employee of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to facilitate expedited review of hate crimes, required the DOJ to issue guidance to law enforcement agencies aimed to establish online hate crime reporting processes and to raise awareness about hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and established state grants to create hate crime reporting hotlines, among other related provisions. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (94-1) Yea Postal Service Reform Act of 2022   The Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 (H.R. 3076) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on April 6, 2022, that sought to address healthcare and retirement benefits for postal workers, allow USPS to provide certain nonpostal products and services, and expand service performance and budgetary reporting. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Passed (79-19) Yea Bipartisan Safer Communities Act   The Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (S. 2938) was a firearm regulation and mental health bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on June 25, 2022. Provisions of the bill included expanding background checks for individuals under the age of 21, providing funding for mental health services, preventing individuals who had been convicted of a domestic violence misdemeanor or felony in dating relationships from purchasing firearms for five years, providing funding for state grants to implement crisis intervention order programs, and providing funding for community-based violence prevention initiatives. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Click here to read more. Passed (65-33) Yea Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act   The Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act (H.R. 5305) was a bill passed by the 117th Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on September 30, 2021, that provided for continuing fiscal year 2022 appropriations to federal agencies through December 3, 2021, in order to prevent a government shutdown that would have otherwise occurred if fiscal year 2022 appropriations bills had not been passed by October 1, 2021. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate. Passed (65-35) Guilty Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors.   This was a resolution before the 117th Congress setting forth an article of impeachment saying that Donald Trump (R) incited an insurrection against the government of the United States on January 6, 2021. The House of Representatives approved the article of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of the charges. Conviction on the impeachment charges required a 2/3 majority vote in the Senate. Click here to read more. Not guilty (57-43) Yea Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022   The Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022 (H.R. 350) was a bill passed by the House of Representatives and voted down by the Senate in a failed cloture vote that sought to expand the availability and reporting of information about domestic terrorism, enhance the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of Justice (DOJ), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) ability to prosecute domestic terrorism, among other things. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Failed (47-47) Yea A concurrent resolution setting forth the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2022 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2023 through 2031.   This concurrent resolution (S.Con.Res. 14) was a budget resolution passed by the 117th Congress outlining the fiscal year 2022 federal government budget, setting forth budgetary levels for fiscal years 2023-2031, and providing reconciliation instructions for legislation that increased the deficit. It contained a proposed framework for the Build Back Better Act. The resolution required 1/2 majority vote in the Senate. Click here to read more. Passed (50-49) Yea Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act   The Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act was a federal elections bill approved by the House of Representatives and voted down by the Senate in a failed cloture vote that sought to, among other provisions, make Election Day a public holiday, allow for same-day voter registration, establish minimum early voting periods, and allow absentee voting for any reason, restrict the removal of local election administrators in federal elections, regulate congressional redistricting, expand campaign finance disclosure rules for some organizations, and amend the Voting Rights Act to require some states to obtain clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice before implementing new election laws. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to invoke cloture and a 1/2 majority vote on passage. Click here to read more. Failed (49-51) Yea Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022   The Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act was a bill passed by the 117th Congress in the form of an amendment to a year-end omnibus funding bill that was signed into law by President Joe Biden (D) on December 23, 2022. The bill changed the procedure for counting electoral votes outlined in the Electoral Count Act of 1887. Elements of the bill included specifying that the vice president's role at the joint session of congress to count electoral votes is ministerial, raising the objection threshold at the joint session of congress to count electoral votes to one-fifth of the members of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, identifying governors as the single official responsible for submitting the certificate of ascertainment identifying that state’s electors, and providing for expedited judicial review of certain claims about states' certificates identifying their electors. The bill required a 3/5 majority vote in the Senate to concur in the House's version of the bill. Click here to read more. Passed (68-29) Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2021 The 116th United States Congress began on January 9, 2019, and ended on January 3, 2021. At the start of the session, Democrats held the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives (235-200), and Republicans held the majority in the U.S. Senate (53-47). Donald Trump (R) was the president and Mike Pence (R) was the vice president. We identified the key votes below using Congress' top-viewed bills list and through marquee coverage of certain votes on Ballotpedia. Key votes: 116th Congress, 2019-2021 Vote Bill and description Status Yea CARES Act   The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act (H.R. 748) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on March 27, 2020, that expanded benefits through the joint federal-state unemployment insurance program during the coronavirus pandemic. The legislation also included $1,200 payments to certain individuals, funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, and funds for businesses, hospitals, and state and local governments. The bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate. Passed (96-0) Yea National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020   The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (S. 1790) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on December 20, 2019, setting policies and appropriations for the Department of Defense. Key features of this bill include appropriations for research/development, procurement, military construction, and operation/maintenence, as well as policies for paid family leave, North Korea nuclear sanctions, limiting the use of criminal history in federal hiring and contracting, military housing privatization, and paid family leave for federal personnel. This bill required a simple majroity vote in the Senate. Passed (86-8) Yea Families First Coronavirus Response Act   The Families First Coronavirus Response Act (H.R. 6201) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on March 18, 2020, addressing the COVID-19 pandemic by increasing access to unemployment benefits and food assistance, increasing funding for Medicaid, providing free testing for COVID-19, and requiring employers to provide paid sick time to employees who cannot work due to COVID-19. The bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate. Passed (90-8) Yea Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020   The Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 1865) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on December 20, 2019, providing appropriations for federal agencies in fiscal year 2020. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate. Passed (71-23) Yea Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020   The Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 6074) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on March 6, 2020, providing emergency funding to federal agencies in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Key features of the bill include funding for vaccine research, small business loans, humanitarian assistance to affected foreign countries, emergency preparedness, and grants for public health agencies and organizations. This bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate. Passed (96-1) Yea Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019   The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019 (H.J.Res. 31) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on February 15, 2019, providing approrations for Fiscal Year 2019. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate. Passed (83-16) Yea John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act   The John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act (S. 47) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Doanld Trump on March 12, 2019. This bill sought to set provisions for federal land management and conservation by doing things such as conducting land exchanges and conveyances, establishing programs to respond to wildfires, and extending and reauthorizing wildlife conservation programs. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate. Passed (92-8) Yea William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (passage)   The William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (H.R. 6395) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and vetoed by President Donald Trump on December 23, 2020. Congress voted to override Trump's veto, and the bill became law on January 1, 2021. The bill set Department of Defense policies and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021. Trump vetoed the bill due to disagreement with provisions related to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the renaming of certain military installations, limits on emergency military construction fund usage, and limits on troop withdrawals. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate on passage, and a two-thirds majority vote to overcome the veto. Passed (84-13) Yea William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (overcoming veto)   The William M. (Mac) Thornberry National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2021 (H.R. 6395) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and vetoed by President Donald Trump on December 23, 2020. Congress voted to override Trump's veto, and the bill became law on January 1, 2021. The bill set Department of Defense policies and appropriations for Fiscal Year 2021. Trump vetoed the bill due to disagreement with provisions related to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, the renaming of certain military installations, limits on emergency military construction fund usage, and limits on troop withdrawals. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate on passage, and a two-thirds majority vote to overcome the veto. Passed (81-13) Yea Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act of 2019   The Strengthening America's Security in the Middle East Act of 2019 (S. 1) is a bill approved by the Senate that sought to address security in certain Middle Eastern countries by sending resources to Israel, extending defense cooperation in Jordan, establishing sanctions related to the conflict in Syria, and allowing states to divest from entities boycotting Israel. The bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate. Passed (77-23) Yea Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act   The Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act (H.R. 8337) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on October 1st, 2020, continuing appropriations to federal agencies for Fiscal Year 2021 as well as extending certain expiring programs that address issues such as health care, surface transportation, agriculture, and veterans benefits. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate. Passed (84-10) Yea Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020   The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (H.R. 1158) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on December 20, 2019, providing appropriations for the 2020 Fiscal Year for federal agencies. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate. Passed (81-11) Yea Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2020, and Further Health Extenders Act of 2019   The Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2020, and Further Health Extenders Act of 2019 (H.R. 3055) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on December 20, 2019, providing Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations to federal agencies through December 20, 2019 and extending certain programs and authorites that were set to expire. This bill prevented a government shutdown, and provided a pay raise for the military, repealed a revocation of state highway funding, and modified the United States Victims of State Sponsored Terrorism Fund. This bill required a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate. Passed (74-20) Yea Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act   The Never Forget the Heroes: James Zadroga, Ray Pfeifer, and Luis Alvarez Permanent Authorization of the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund Act (H.R. 1327) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 29, 2019, providing funds for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001. Key features of the bill included allowing claims to be filed until October 2090, removing the cap on noneconomic damages in certain circumstances, and periodically adjusting the annual limit on economic loss compensation for inflation. This bill required a simple majority vote from the Senate. Passed (97-2) Guilty Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. (article 1)   The 2020 impeachment of Donald Trump (R) was a resolution before the 116th Congress to set forth two articles of impeachment saying that Trump abused his power and obstructed congress. The first article was related to allegations that Trump requested the Ukrainian government investigate former Vice President Joe Biden (D) and his son, Hunter Biden, in exchange for aid, and the second was related to Trump's response to the impeachment inquiry.The House of Representatives approved both articles of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of either charge. Conviction on the impeachment charges required a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate. Not Guilty (52-48) Guilty Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. (article 2)   The 2020 impeachment of Donald Trump (R) was a resolution before the 116th Congress to set forth two articles of impeachment saying that Trump abused his power and obstructed congress. The first article was related to allegations that Trump requested the Ukrainian government investigate former Vice President Joe Biden (D) and his son, Hunter Biden, in exchange for aid, and the second was related to Trump's response to the impeachment inquiry.The House of Representatives approved both articles of impeachment, and the Senate adjudged that Trump was not guilty of either charge. Conviction on the impeachment charges required a two-thirds majority vote in the Senate. Not Guilty (53-47) Yea United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act   The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act (H.R. 5430) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on October 21, 2020, establishing a trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada meant to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) by establishing provisions such as labor and environment monitoring and enforcement, de minimis levels for U.S. exports, and cooperation among treaty members to prevent duty evasion. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate. Passed (89-10) Yea Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act   The Pallone-Thune Telephone Robocall Abuse Criminal Enforcement and Deterrence Act (S. 151) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on December 30, 2019, setting forth rules to reduce criminal robot calls. Some key featues of the bill included requiring voice service providers to develop call authentication technologies, creating rules to protect a subscriber from receiving unwanted calls or texts from a caller using an unauthenticated number, and protecting individuals from one-ring scams. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate. Passed (97-1) Nay Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, 2019   The Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Humanitarian Assistance and Security at the Southern Border Act, 2019 (H.R. 3401) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump (R) on July 1, 2019, providing emergency approprations for humanitarian assistance and security to respond to people attempting to enter the United States at the southern border. This bill required a three-fifths majority vote in the Senate. Passed (84-8) Yea Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2019   The Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Act, 2019 (H.R. 2157) was a bill passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump on June 6, 2019, providing approprations to certain federal departments in order to address expenses incured by recent natural disasters. This bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate. Passed (85-8) Yea Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 15, 2019.   H.J.Res.46 (Relating to a national emergency declared by the President on February 15, 2019.) was a resolution passed by the 116th Congress and vetoed by President Donald Trump (R). This resolution sought to terminate the national emergency related to the U.S.-Mexico border, declared by President Trump on February 15, 2019. The bill required a simple majority vote in the Senate. Passed (59-41) Key votes: 115th Congress, 2017-2018 For detailed information about each vote, click here. Votes on domestic policy (click to expand) Voted Yea on: First Step Act of 2018 (S 756)  Motion Agreed to (87-12) on December 18, 2018 Proposed making changes to the criminal justice system. Voted Yea on: Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (HR 2)  Conference Report Agreed to (87-13) on December 11, 2018 Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance through fiscal year 2023. Voted Nay on: "Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States" (PN2259)  Nomination Confirmed (50-48) on October 6, 2018 Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Voted Nay on: "Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States" (PN2259)  Cloture Motion Agreed to (51-49) on October 5, 2018 Brett M. Kavanaugh, of Maryland, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States Voted Yea on: Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018 (HR 2)  Bill Passed (86-11, 3/5 majority required) on June 28, 2018 Proposed providing funding for commodity support, conservation, trade and international food aid, nutrition assistance, farm credit, rural development, research and extension activities, forestry, horticulture, and crop insurance. Voted Nay on: Immigration reform proposal from Sen. Chuck Grassley and the Trump administration (S Amdt 1959 to HR 2579)  Cloture Motion Rejected (39-60, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018 Proposed providing a path to citizenship for 1.8 million individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children, $25 billion for border security, limits on chain migration or family-based migration, and eliminating the visa lottery system. Voted Yea on: Immigration reform proposal from the Common Sense Coalition (S Amdt 1958 to HR 2579)  Cloture Motion Rejected (54-45, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018 Proposed providing a path to citizenship for individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children, $25 billion for border security, and limitations on chain or family-based immigration. Voted Nay on: Stop Dangerous Sanctuary Cities Act amendment (S Amdt 1948 to S Amdt 1959)  Cloture Motion Rejected (54-45, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018 Proposed withholding funding from sanctuary jurisdictions for not cooperating with federal immigration officials. Voted Yea on: Coons-McCain immigration plan (S Amdt 1955 to S Amdt 1958)  Cloture Motion Rejected (52-47, 3/5 majority required) on February 15, 2018 Proposed providing a path to citizenship for individuals brought into the U.S. without legal permission as children and conducting a study to determine what border security measures were needed. It also proposed requiring the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to secure the U.S.-Mexico border by 2021. Voted Nay on: Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act (S 2311)  Cloture on the Motion to Proceed Rejected (51-46, 3/5 majority required) on January 29, 2018 Proposed amending the federal criminal code to make it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus was 20 weeks or more. The bill proposed providing exceptions for an abortion: (1) that was necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, or (2) when the pregnancy was the result of rape or incest. Voted Nay on: An amendment to repeal the requirements for individuals to enroll in health insurance and for employers to offer it—"Skinny bill" (S Amdt 667 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628 the American Health Care Act of 2017)  Amendment Rejected (49-51) on July 28, 2017 The amendment proposed repealing the requirements for individuals to enroll in health insurance and for employers to offer it. Voted Nay on: An amendment to repeal the ACA, including Paul amendment (No. 271) (S Amdt 271 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628)  Amendment Rejected (45-55) on July 26, 2017 An amendment to repeal the ACA, including Paul amendment (No. 271) Voted Nay on: Motion to advance the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017, including Cruz and Portman amendments (S Amdt 270 to S Amdt 267 to HR 1628)  Motion Rejected (43-57, 3/5 majority required) on July 25, 2017 A procedural vote to advance the Better Care Reconciliation Act of 2017 (BCRA), including the Cruz and Portman amendments. Voted Nay on: Motion to begin debate on the American Health Care Act of 2017 (HR 1628)  Motion to Proceed Agreed to (50-50, Vice President voted Yea) on July 25, 2017 Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to title II of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2017. Voted Nay on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(4)—confirmation vote)  Nomination Confirmed (54-45) on April 7, 2017 Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—confirmation vote. Voted Nay on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(3))  Cloture Motion Agreed to (55-45) on April 6, 2017 Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—second vote to end debate and move to a vote on Gorsuch's nomination under the new precedent requiring only a simple majority to pass. Voted Yea on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55(2))  Decision of Chair Not Sustained (48-52) on April 6, 2017 Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—a vote to keep the Senate precedent of requiring 60 votes to close debate on Supreme Court nominations. Voted Nay on: Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (PN55)  Cloture Motion Rejected (55-45, 3/5 majority required) on April 6, 2017 Neil M. Gorsuch, of Colorado, to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States—initial vote to end debate and move to a vote on Gorsuch's nomination. Votes on economic affairs and regulations (click to expand) Voted Yea on: "Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 6157)  Conference Report Agreed to (93-7) on September 18, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education. Voted Yea on: "Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 5895)  Conference Report Agreed to (92-5) on September 12, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs. Voted Yea on: "Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 6157)  Bill Passed (85-7) on August 23, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Departments of Defense, Health and Human Services (HHS), Labor, and Education. Voted Yea on: "Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019" (HR 5895)  Bill Passed (86-5) on June 25, 2018 Proposed authorizing FY2019 appropriations and policies for the Department of Energy, water resources, the legislative branch, military construction, and the Department of Veterans Affairs, among other programs. Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1625)  Motion Agreed to (65-32) on March 23, 2018 Proposed providing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes. Voted Yea on: The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (HR 1892)  Motion Agreed to (71-28) on February 9, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through March 23, 2018 Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 695)  Cloture Motion Rejected (55-44, 3/5 majority required) on February 8, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through March 23, 2018. Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)  Motion Agreed to (81-18) on January 22, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018. Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)  Cloture Motion Agreed to (81-18, 3/5 majority required) on January 22, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through February 8, 2018. Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 195)  Cloture Motion Rejected (50-49, 3/5 majority required) on January 19, 2018 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018. Voted Nay on: Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 (HR 1370)  Motion Agreed to (66-32, 3/5 majority required) on December 21, 2017 Proposed providing further continuing appropriations through January 19, 2018. Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)  Motion Agreed to (51-48) on December 20, 2017 Proposed providing for reconciliation pursuant to titles II and V of the concurrent resolution on the budget for fiscal year 2018 and proposed changes to the tax code. Voted Yea on: "A joint resolution making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2018, and for other purposes." (HJ Res 123)  Joint Resolution Passed (81-14) on December 7, 2017 Proposed funding the government until December 22, 2017. Voted Nay on: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (HR 1)  Bill Passed (51-49) on December 2, 2017 Proposed amending the Internal Revenue Code to reduce tax rates and modify policies, credits, and deductions for individuals and businesses. Voted Nay on: A concurrent resolution establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. (H Con Res 71)  Concurrent Resolution Agreed to (51-49) on October 19, 2017 Proposed establishing the congressional budget for the United States Government for fiscal year 2018 and setting forth the appropriate budgetary levels for fiscal years 2019 through 2027. Did not vote on: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2017 (Included amendments to suspend the debt ceiling and fund the government) (HR 601)  Motion Agreed to (80-17) on September 7, 2017 Proposed suspending the debt ceiling and funding the government until December 8, 2017, and providing funding for Hurricanes Harvey and Irma relief efforts. Voted Yea on: Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2017 (HR 244)  Motion Agreed to (79-18) on May 4, 2017 The $1.2 trillion budget bill proposed funding the government through the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2017. Votes on foreign policy and national security issues (click to expand) Voted Yea on: "A joint resolution to direct the removal of United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that have not been authorized by Congress." (SJ Res 54)  Joint Resolution Passed (56-41) on December 13, 2018 Proposed removing United States Armed Forces from hostilities in the Republic of Yemen that were not authorized by Congress. Did not vote on: National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2018 (HR 2810)  Bill Passed (89-8) on September 18, 2017 Proposed authorizing appropriations for fiscal year 2018 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, and to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal year, and for other purposes. On November 15, 2017, the Senate passed the defense policy bill by voice vote. This bill was the result of compromises made in the conference report. For more information on the compromise bill, click here. Voted Yea on: Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (HR 3364)  Bill Passed (98-2) on July 27, 2017 Proposed providing congressional review and proposed countering aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes. Voted Yea on: Countering Iran's Destabilizing Activities Act of 2017 (S 722)  Bill Passed (98-2) on June 15, 2017 Proposed providing congressional review and proposed countering aggression by the governments of Iran, the Russian Federation, and North Korea, and for other purposes. 114th Congress The first session of the 114th Congress enacted into law six out of the 2,616 introduced bills (0.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 1.3 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the first session. In the second session, the 114th Congress enacted 133 out of 3,159 introduced bills (4.2 percent). Comparatively, the 113th Congress had 7.0 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. The Senate confirmed 18,117 out of 21,815 executive nominations received (83 percent). For more information pertaining to Menendez's voting record in the 114th Congress, please see the below sections. Economic and fiscal Trade Act of 2015 See also: The Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal, 2015 On May 22, 2015, the Senate passed HR 1314, which was used as a legislative vehicle for trade legislation with the titles "Trade Act of 2015" and the "Bipartisan Congressional Trade Priorities and Accountability Act of 2015," by a vote of 62-37. The bill proposed giving the president trade promotion authority (TPA). TPA, also known as fast track authority, allows the president to negotiate trade deals that cannot be amended by Congress. Congress casts a simple up or down vote on a trade agreement, and the legislation only requires a simple majority for approval. The bill also included a statement of trade priorities and provisions for trade adjustment assistance. Menendez voted with 30 other Democratic senators against the bill. Trade promotion authority On June 24, 2015, by a vote of 60-38, the Senate approved trade promotion authority (TPA) as part of HR 2146 - Defending Public Safety Employees' Retirement Act. Menendez was one of 31 Democrats to vote against the bill. After, Senate Republican leadership honored a pledge to support trade adjustment assistance (TAA) by passing the measure as part of HR 1295 - Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015 by voice vote. The House passed HR 1295 the following day, on June 25, 2015, and both TPA and TAA were signed into law on June 29, 2015. 2016 Budget proposal On May 5, 2015, the Senate voted to approve SConRes11, a congressional budget proposal for fiscal year 2016, by a vote of 51-48. The non-binding resolution will be used to create 12 appropriations bills to fund the government before funding runs out on October 1, 2015. The vote marked the first time since 2009 that Congress approved a joint budget resolution. All 44 Democrats, including Menendez, voted against the resolution. Defense spending authorization On November 10, 2015, the Senate passed S 1356 - the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 by a vote of 91-3. The second version of the $607 billion national defense bill included "$5 billion in cuts to match what was approved in the budget" and language preventing the closure of the Guantanamo Bay military prison. Menendez voted with 41 Democrats, 48 Republicans and one independent in favor of the bill. On November 5, 2015, the House passed the bill by a vote of 370-58, and President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 25, 2015. On June 18, 2015, the Senate passed HR 1735 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 by a vote of 71-25. The bill "authorizes FY2016 appropriations and sets forth policies for Department of Defense (DOD) programs and activities, including military personnel strengths. It does not provide budget authority, which is provided in subsequent appropriations legislation." Menendez voted with 21 Democrats, two Republicans and one Independent against the bill. The House passed the bill on May 15, 2015. President Barack Obama vetoed the bill on October 22, 2015. 2015 budget On October 30, 2015, the Senate passed HR 1314 - Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015 by a vote of 64-35. The bill increased military and domestic spending levels and suspended the debt ceiling until March 2017. Menendez voted with 43 Democrats, 18 Republicans and two independents in favor of the bill. It passed the House on October 28, 2015. President Barack Obama signed it into law on November 2, 2015. Foreign Affairs Iran nuclear deal See also: Iran nuclear agreement, 2015 On May 7, 2015, the Senate voted to approve HR 1191 - A bill to provide for congressional review and oversight of agreements relating to Iran's nuclear program, and for other purposes, by a vote of 98-1. The bill required President Barack Obama to submit the details of the nuclear deal with Iran for congressional review. Congress had 60 days to review the deal and vote to approve, disapprove or take no action on the deal. During the review period, sanctions on Iran could not be lifted. All 43 Democratic senators who voted, including Menendez, approved the bill. Hire More Heroes Act of 2015 On September 10, 2015, the Senate voted to filibuster the measure to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal by a vote of 58-42. Sixty votes were needed to proceed to HJ Res 61 - the Hire More Heroes Act of 2015, the legislative vehicle the Senate was expected to use to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal. Menendez voted with three Democrats and 54 Republicans to proceed to the measure of disapproval. Hire More Heroes Act of 2015 follow up votes On September 15, 2015, the Senate voted for a second time to filibuster the measure to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal by a vote of 56-42. Sixty votes were needed to proceed to HJ Res 61 - the Hire More Heroes Act of 2015, the legislative vehicle the Senate was expected to use to disapprove of the Iran nuclear deal. Menendez voted with three Democrats and 52 Republicans to proceed to the measure of disapproval. The legislation was voted on for a third time on September 17, and it failed for a third time by a vote of 56-42. Hire More Heroes Act of 2015 fourth vote On September 17, 2015, the Senate voted to filibuster a vote on S.Amdt.2656 to S.Amdt.2640 by a vote of 53-45. The amendment proposed prohibiting "the President from waiving, suspending, reducing, providing relief from, or otherwise limiting the application of sanctions pursuant to an agreement related to the nuclear program of Iran." Menendez voted with 42 Democrats and two Independents against proceeding to the amendment. Domestic USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 On June 2, 2015, the Senate passed HR 2048 - the Uniting and Strengthening America by Fulfilling Rights and Ensuring Effective Discipline Over Monitoring Act of 2015 or the USA FREEDOM Act of 2015 by a vote of 67-32. The legislation revised HR 3199 - the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 by terminating the bulk collection of metadata under Sec. 215 of the act, requiring increased reporting from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court and requiring the use of "a specific selection term as the basis for national security letters that request information from wire or electronic communication service providers, financial institutions, or consumer reporting agencies." Menendez voted with 42 Democrats, 23 Republicans and one Independent to approve the legislation. It became law on June 2, 2015. Cyber security On October 27, 2015, the Senate passed S 754 - the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act of 2015 by a vote of 74-21. The bill proposed procedures that would allow federal agencies and private entities to share information about cyber threats. Menendez voted with 13 Democrats, six Republicans and one independent against the bill. Immigration On October 20, 2015, the Senate voted against proceeding to a vote on S 2146 - the Stop Sanctuary Policies and Protect Americans Act by a vote of 54-45. The bill proposed withholding federal funding from "sanctuary jurisdictions" that violate the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 and other federal immigration laws. In addition, the bill proposed increasing "penalties for individuals who illegally reenter the United States after being removed" and providing "liability protection for State and local law enforcement who cooperate with Federal law enforcement." Menendez voted with 41 Democrats, one Republican and two Independents against proceeding to the bill. 113th Congress The second session of the 113th Congress enacted into law 224 out of the 3215 introduced bills (7 percent). Comparatively, the 112th Congress had 4.2 percent of introduced bills enacted into law in the second session. The Senate confirmed 13,949 out of 18,323 executive nominations received (76.1 percent). For more information pertaining to Menendez's voting record in the 113th Congress, please see the below sections. National security Syria Menendez presided over a hearing that began September 3, 2013. The hearing debated whether or not the Senate should authorize military intervention in Syria. Syria was accused of using chemical weapons in an attack on 1,500 of its own people. Menendez personally supported taking action in Syria saying, "It is my view that the use of military force in Syria is justified and necessary given the Assad regime's reprehensible use of chemical weapons and gross violation of international law." He suggested attacking the specific regime units that carried out the chemical attacks in Eastern Damascus. Response to Putin Menendez had a strong reaction to the op-ed by Russian President Vladimir Putin, that appeared on the New York Times website on September 11, 2013. Putin said in the piece that discouraged military action in Syria, "It is extremely dangerous to encourage people to see themselves as exceptional, whatever the motivation." The line refers to Obama's speech on Tuesday night where he said, "That's what makes us exceptional. With humility, but with resolve, let us never lose sight of that essential truth." Menendez said the Putin op-ed made him question the seriousness of the Russian deal with Syria. He said, "I almost wanted to vomit. I worry when someone who came up through the KGB tells us what is in our national interests and what is not. It really raises the question of how serious the Russian proposal is." Senate Foreign Relations Committee Syria authorization See also: United States involvement in Syria On September 4, 2013, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee narrowly approved an authorization for President Obama to use limited force against Syria. It was approved by a 10-7 vote. The vote came after a three-hour briefing with top Obama administration officials, including Secretary of State John Kerry and James Clapper, the director of national intelligence. Of the nine Democratic members and eight Republican members that made up the committee, seven Democrats and three Republicans voted in favor, while five Republicans and two Democrats opposed the authorization. A single "present" vote was cast by Ed Markey (D). Menendez was one of the seven Democrats who approved the authorization. John Brennan CIA nomination Menendez voted for the confirmation of John Brennan as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. The nomination was confirmed by the Senate on March 7, 2013, with a vote of 63 - 34. Most Democrats supported the nomination, while Republicans were somewhat divided with roughly one-third supporting the nomination. Economy No Budget, No Pay Act of 2013 Menendez voted for H.R.325 -- No Budget, No Pay Act of 2013. The bill passed the Senate on January 31, 2013, with a vote of 64 - 34. The purpose of the bill was to temporarily suspend the debt ceiling and withhold the pay of members of Congress until a budget could be passed. The vote largely followed party lines with Democrats overwhelmingly supporting it and many Republicans in opposition to the bill. Government shutdown See also: United States budget debate, 2013 During the shutdown in October 2013, the Senate rejected, down party lines, every House-originated bill that stripped the budget of funding for the Affordable Care Act. A deal was reached late on October 16, 2013, just hours before the debt ceiling deadline. The bill to reopen the government, H.R. 2775, lifted the $16.7 trillion debt limit and funded the government through January 15, 2014. Federal employees also received retroactive pay for the shutdown period. The only concession made by Senate Democrats was to require income verification for Obamacare subsidies. The final vote on H.R. 2775 was 81-18, with all 18 votes against the bill from Republican members. Menendez voted with the Democratic Party for the bill. Retailer security breaches Menendez sent a letter to the Federal Trade Commission asking if they need Congressional help to hold retailers responsible for security breaches in light of the 2013 breach at Target. He said, "Our country’s consumers depend upon safe and secure transactions, and especially at this crucial time of year, our country’s retailers must commit to fulfilling that expectation. Unfortunately, these data breaches are becoming increasingly common. The 40-million compromised accounts represent one of the largest corporate security breaches in history, potentially exposing millions of people who shopped this holiday season to fraudulent charges, identity theft, and other inexcusable hardships. Our nation’s regulators must be vigilant to ensure a safe and secure environment to protect all involved." Immigration Reduce deportations In March 2014, Menendez called on the Obama administration to suspend what he called “needless” deportations. “While we continue waiting for the House of Representatives to wake up and move on immigration reform legislation, I urge the president to take action today and halt needless deportations that are splitting apart our families and communities. The current deportation apparatus is an outrage, and it’s a tragedy,” Menendez said. Mexico-U.S. border Menendez voted against Senate Amendment 1197 -- Requires the Completion of the Fence Along the United States-Mexico Border. The amendment was rejected by the Senate on June 18, 2013, with a vote of 39 - 54. The purpose of the amendment was to require the completion of 350 miles of fence described in the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 before registered provisional immigrant status may be granted. It would also require 700 miles of fence be completed before the status of registered provisional immigrants may be changed to permanent resident status. The vote followed party lines. Social issues Violence Against Women (2013) Menendez voted for S.47 -- Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013. The bill was passed by the Senate on February 12, 2013, with a vote of 78 - 22. The purpose of the bill was to combat violence against women, from domestic violence to international trafficking in persons. All 22 dissenting votes were cast by Republicans. Previous congressional sessions Fiscal Cliff Menendez voted for the fiscal cliff compromise bill, which made permanent most of the Bush tax cuts originally passed in 2001 and 2003 while also raising tax rates on the highest income levels. The bill was passed in the Senate by an 89 - 8 vote on January 1, 2013.

Elections

2026

See also: New Jersey's 8th Congressional District election, 2026

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 3, 2026.

General election for U.S. House New Jersey District 8

Incumbent Robert Menendez Jr. and Richard Barilla are running in the general election for U.S. House New Jersey District 8 on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Robert Menendez Jr. (D)
		Richard Barilla (Independent)

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia is gathering information about candidate endorsements. To send us an endorsement, click here.

2024

See also: United States Senate election in New Jersey, 2024

General election

General election for U.S. Senate New Jersey

The following candidates ran in the general election for U.S. Senate New Jersey on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Andrew Kim (D)	53.6	2,161,491
		Curtis Bashaw (R)	44.0	1,773,589
		Christina Khalil (G)	1.1	45,443
		Kenneth Kaplan (L)	0.6	24,242
		Patricia Mooneyham (Vote Better Party)	0.4	17,224
	Submit photo	Joanne Kuniansky (Socialist Workers Party)	0.2	9,806

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 4,031,795
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Bob Menendez (Independent)
• Nick Carducci (Independent)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. Senate New Jersey

Andrew Kim defeated Patricia Campos Medina and Lawrence Hamm in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate New Jersey on June 4, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Andrew Kim	74.8	392,602
		Patricia Campos Medina	16.1	84,286
		Lawrence Hamm	9.1	47,796

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 524,684
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Kevin Cupples (D)
• Tammy Murphy (D)
• Bob Menendez (D)
• Kyle Jasey (D)
• Patrick Merrill (D)
• Joseph Signorello (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate New Jersey

Curtis Bashaw defeated Christine Serrano-Glassner, Justin Murphy, and Albert Harshaw in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate New Jersey on June 4, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Curtis Bashaw	45.6	144,869
		Christine Serrano-Glassner	38.4	121,986
		Justin Murphy	11.3	35,954
		Albert Harshaw	4.7	15,064

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 317,873
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Gregg Mele (R)
• Daniel Cruz (R)
• Peter Vallorosi (R)
• Shirley Maia-Cusick (R)
• Michael Estrada (R)
• Alex Zdan (R)

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Menendez in this election.

2018

See also: United States Senate election in New Jersey, 2018

See also: United States Senate election in New Jersey (June 5, 2018 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. Senate New Jersey

The following candidates ran in the general election for U.S. Senate New Jersey on November 6, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bob Menendez (D)	54.0	1,711,654
		Bob Hugin (R)	42.8	1,357,355
		Madelyn Hoffman (G)	0.8	25,150
		Murray Sabrin (L)	0.7	21,212
		Natalie Rivera (For the People Party)	0.6	19,897
		Tricia Flanagan (New Day NJ Party)	0.5	16,101
		Kevin Kimple (Make it Simple Party)	0.3	9,087
		Hank Schroeder (Economic Growth Party)	0.3	8,854

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,169,310 (100.00% precincts reporting)
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Muhammad Usman (Independent)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. Senate New Jersey

Incumbent Bob Menendez defeated Lisa McCormick in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate New Jersey on June 5, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bob Menendez	62.3	262,477
		Lisa McCormick	37.7	158,998

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 421,475
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Michael Starr Hopkins (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate New Jersey

Bob Hugin defeated Brian Goldberg in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate New Jersey on June 5, 2018.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Bob Hugin	75.1	168,052
		Brian Goldberg	24.9	55,624

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.	Total votes: 223,676
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Antonio Sabas (R)
• Dana Wefer (R)
• Jeff Bell (R)
• Jerry Watson (R)

2012

See also: United States Senate elections in New Jersey, 2012

Menendez won re-election in 2012. He was unopposed in the June 5 Democratic primary and defeated Joe Kyrillos (R) and Jeff Boss (I) in the November general election.

U.S. Senate, New Jersey, General Election, 2012

Party		Candidate	Vote %	Votes
	Democratic	Robert Menendez Incumbent	58.9%	1,987,680
	Republican	Joe Kyrillos	39.4%	1,329,534
	Libertarian	Kenneth R. Kaplan	0.5%	16,803
	Green	Ken Wolski	0.5%	15,801
	Jersey Strong Independents	Gwen Diakos	0.3%	9,359
	Totally Independent Candidate	J. David Dranikoff	0.1%	3,834
	America First	Inder "Andy" Soni	0.1%	3,593
	Responsibility Fairness Integrity	Robert "Turk" Turkavage	0.1%	3,532
	Socialist Party USA	Gregory Pason	0.1%	2,249
	No Slogan	Eugene Martin Lavergne	0.1%	2,198
	Reform Nation	Daryl Mikell Brooks	0.1%	2,066
Total Votes				3,376,649
Source: New Jersey Secretary of State "Official Election Results, 2012 General Election"

Full history

To view the full congressional electoral history for Bob Menendez, click [show] to expand the section.

2006 On November 7, 2006, Menendez was elected to the United States Senate to continue holding the office he acquired through his appointment earlier that year. He defeated Thomas H. Kean, Jr. (R), J. M. Carter (God We Trust), Len Flynn (Libertarian), Edward Forchion (Legalize Marijuana (G.R.I.P.), Daryl Mikell Brooks (Poor People’s Campaign), N. Leonard Smith (Solidarity, Defend Life), Angela L. Lariscy (Socialist Workers), and Gregory Pason (Socialist Party USA). United States Senate, New Jersey General Election, 2006 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Bob Menendez Incumbent 57.2% 58,333      Republican Thomas H. Kean, Jr. 41.2% 41,998      God We Trust J. M. Carter 0.4% 395      Libertarian Len Flynn 0.3% 345      Legalize Marijuana (G.R.I.P.) Edward Forchion 0.3% 336      Poor People’s Campaign Daryl Mikell Brooks 0.3% 263      Solidarity, Defend Life N. Leonard Smith 0.2% 166      Socialist Workers Angela L. Lariscy 0.1% 90      Socialist Party USA Gregory Pason 0% 47 Total Votes 101,973 2004 On November 2, 2004, Robert Menendez won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Richard W. Piatkowski (R), Angela L. Lariscy (I), Dick Hester (I) and Herbert H. Shaw (I) in the general election. U.S. House, New Jersey District 13 General Election, 2004 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Robert Menendez incumbent 75.9% 121,018      Republican Richard W. Piatkowski 22.1% 35,288      Independent (Socialist Workers) Angela L. Lariscy 0.6% 887      Independent (Prolife Conservative) Dick Hester 0.8% 1,282      Independent (Politicos son Corruptos) Herbert H. Shaw 0.7% 1,066 Total Votes 159,541 2002 On November 5, 2002, Robert Menendez won re-election to the United States House. He defeated James Geron (R), Pat Henry Faulkner (I), Esmat Zaklama (I), Esmat Zaklama (I), Dick Hester (I) and Herbert H. Shaw (I) in the general election. U.S. House, New Jersey District 13 General Election, 2002 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Robert Menendez incumbent 78.3% 72,605      Republican James Geron 18.2% 16,852      Independent (Green) Pat Henry Faulkner 1.3% 1,195      Independent (Anti-Corruption Doctor) Esmat Zaklama 0.8% 740      Independent (American Party) Esmat Zaklama 0% 34      Independent (Pro Life Conservative) Dick Hester 0.8% 732      Independent (Politicians are Crooks--Politicos son Corruptos) Herbert H. Shaw 0.6% 573 Total Votes 92,731 2000 On November 7, 2000, Robert Menendez won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Theresa de Leon (R), Claudette C. Meliere (I), Dick Hester (I), Herbert H. Shaw (I), Alina Lydia Fonteboa (I) and Kari Sachs (I) in the general election. U.S. House, New Jersey District 13 General Election, 2000 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Robert Menendez incumbent 78.7% 117,856      Republican Theresa de Leon 18.6% 27,849      Independent Claudette C. Meliere 1.8% 2,741      Independent Dick Hester 0.4% 562      Independent Herbert H. Shaw 0.2% 357      Independent Alina Lydia Fonteboa 0.2% 233      Independent Kari Sachs 0.1% 168 Total Votes 149,766 1998 On November 3, 1998, Robert Menendez won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Theresa de Leon (R), Richard S. Hester, Sr (I), Richard G. Rivera (I) and Susan Anmuth (I) in the general election. U.S. House, New Jersey District 13 General Election, 1998 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Robert Menendez incumbent 80.1% 70,308      Republican Theresa de Leon 16.6% 14,615      Independent Richard S. Hester, Sr 1.5% 1,276      Independent Richard G. Rivera 1% 872      Independent Susan Anmuth 0.9% 752 Total Votes 87,823 1996 On November 5, 1996, Robert Menendez won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Carlos Munoz (R), Herbert Shaw (I), Mike Buoncristiano (I), William Estrada (I) and Rupert Ravens (I) in the general election. U.S. House, New Jersey District 13 General Election, 1996 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Robert Menendez incumbent 78.8% 115,459      Republican Carlos Munoz 17.4% 25,427      Independent Herbert Shaw 1.5% 2,136      Independent Mike Buoncristiano 1.4% 2,094      Independent William Estrada 0.5% 720      Independent Rupert Ravens 0.4% 637 Total Votes 146,473 1994 On November 8, 1994, Robert Menendez won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Fernando Alonso (R), Steven Marshall (T), Frank Rubino, Jr. (T) and Herbert Shaw (T) in the general election. U.S. House, New Jersey District 13 General Election, 1994 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Robert Menendez incumbent 70.9% 67,688      Republican Fernando Alonso 25.2% 24,071      Socialist Workers Steven Marshall 0.9% 895      We the People Frank Rubino, Jr. 1.6% 1,494      Politicians are Crooks Herbert Shaw 1.4% 1,319 Total Votes 95,467 1992 On November 3, 1992, Robert Menendez won re-election to the United States House. He defeated Fred Theemling, Jr. (R), Len Flynn (L), Donald Stoveken (T), Jane Harris (T), Joseph Bonnaci (T) and John Rummel (T) in the general election. U.S. House, New Jersey District 13 General Election, 1992 Party Candidate Vote % Votes      Democratic Robert Menendez 64.3% 93,670      Republican Fred Theemling, Jr. 30.6% 44,529      Libertarian Len Flynn 1.1% 1,539      American First Populist Donald Stoveken 0.5% 682      Socialist Workers Jane Harris 1% 1,406      Stop Tax Increases Joseph Bonnaci 1.6% 2,363      Communist John Rummel 1% 1,525 Total Votes 145,714

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Bob Menendez did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

2018

Campaign website

Menendez's campaign website stated the following:

“	Education As a product of public schools, federal loans and grants to become the first in his family with a college education, Bob understands how important it is to give every kid the chance at a first rate education. Bob will never stop fighting to ensure every child has access to early education, opportunities to attend quality public schools, and affordable secondary education. He also knows that we can’t reach these goals until we support schools, teachers, and parents to encourage young people to build a the skill-set needed to excel in the 21st century economy. Environment & Climate Change Bob has consistently fought for dramatic action to reduce the effects of climate change. He is a champion for protecting New Jersey’s beaches, coastal communities and green spaces. Bob is also focused on making New Jersey a leader in responsible renewable energy development to lower our dependence on fossil fuels, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reinvigorate our workforce in the 21st century global economy. Creating Good Paying American Jobs Bob’s number one priority is creating more good paying jobs for the people of New Jersey. For too long through the economy has benefited the very top at the expense of the middle class. Bob is fighting for economic policies that increase wages, empower the middle class and small businesses, and foster social mobility. That means investments in infrastructure to put construction workers back to work, job training to make sure New Jersey has a skilled workforce for the jobs of the future, and tax policy that brings jobs back to American and penalizes outsourcing. Health Care Bob has always been committed to fighting for high-quality, affordable health care for all. As a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee that sets national health policy, Bob has championed legislation to help families meet the challenges of autism, fought to protect a woman’s right to quality health services, advocated for investments in research funding for New Jersey’s hospitals and universities, and has been a champion for community health centers that provide care to underserved communities. Bob stood up against the Republicans’ misguided attempts to strip health care from millions of Americans, and said NO to a plan that hiked premiums for middle-class and working people, gutted the guarantee of essential benefits, disproportionately hurt women and the disabled and forced the most vulnerable to pay for a massive tax cut for the richest among us. Bob will continue fighting to defend and improve the Affordable Care Act while building on its success by working across the aisle so that millions of Americans can receive affordable coverage.	”
—Bob Menendez for U.S. Senate

Campaign advertisements

The following is an example of an ad from Menendez's 2018 election campaign.

"Never Forgot" - Bob Menendez campaign ad, released August 22, 2018

2012

For 2012, Menendez's campaign themes included:

• Job creation
• Tax relief
• Maintaining Social Security

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Bob Menendez campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. Senate New Jersey	Withdrew general	$11,017,405	$10,438,079
2018	U.S. Senate New Jersey	Won general	$12,457,014	$13,664,479
2012	U.S. Senate (New Jersey)	Won	$17,344,783	N/A**
2006	U.S. Senate (New Jersey)	Won	$11,950,586	N/A**
2004	U.S. House (New Jersey, District 13)	Won	$3,624,587	N/A**
Grand total			$56,394,375	$24,102,558
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Notable endorsements

See also: Ballotpedia: Our approach to covering endorsements

This section displays endorsements this individual made in elections within Ballotpedia's coverage scope.

Notable candidate endorsements by Bob Menendez

Endorsee	Election	Stage	Outcome
Cory Booker  source	President of the United States (2020)		Withdrew in Convention
Hillary Clinton  source  (D)	President of the United States (2016)	Primary	Lost General

Campaign donors

Comprehensive donor history

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Bob Menendez campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. Senate New Jersey	Withdrew general	$11,017,405	$10,438,079
2018	U.S. Senate New Jersey	Won general	$12,457,014	$13,664,479
2012	U.S. Senate (New Jersey)	Won	$17,344,783	N/A**
2006	U.S. Senate (New Jersey)	Won	$11,950,586	N/A**
2004	U.S. House (New Jersey, District 13)	Won	$3,624,587	N/A**
Grand total			$56,394,375	$24,102,558
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

2018

U.S. Senate New Jersey 2018 election - Campaign Contributions
Top industry contributors to Bob Menendez's campaign in 2018
Finance, Insurance & Real Estate	$1,174,235.00
Lawyers & Lobbyists	$821,067.65
Health	$500,396.55
Labor	$313,267.00
General Business	$285,828.53
Total Raised in 2018	$0.00
Total Spent	$13,664,479.46
Source: Follow the Money

2018

U.S. Senate New Jersey 2018 election - Campaign Contributions
Top individual contributors to Bob Menendez's campaign in 2018
LIBERMAN, LENARD	$29,700.00
MONZON, MARIA	$29,200.00
DAIBES, JOSEPH	$17,759.99
GIBBONS PC	$10,000.00
TORRES, MARINO	$10,000.00
Total Raised in 2018	$0.00
Total Spent	$13,664,479.46
Source: Follow the Money

2012

Menendez won election to the U.S. Senate in 2012. During that election cycle, Menendez's campaign committee raised a total of $17,344,783 and spent $16,226,545.

Cost per vote

Menendez spent $8.16 per vote received in 2012.

U.S. Senate, New Jersey, 2012 - Bob Menendez Sr. Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$17,344,783
Total Spent	$16,226,545
Total Raised by Election Runner-up	$4,635,494
Total Spent by Election Runner-up	$4,559,919
Top contributors to Bob Menendez Sr.'s campaign committee
Lowenstein, Sandler et al	$117,160
NorPAC	$90,550
Greenberg Traurig LLP	$78,250
Prudential Financial	$66,800
Verizon Communications	$49,050
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Lawyers/Law Firms	$1,784,519
Real Estate	$1,156,990
Health Professionals	$638,760
Securities & Investment	$615,437
Lobbyists	$608,506

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Menendez's campaign funds before the 2012 election.

Out-of-state donations

According to an Open Secrets report, Menendez ranked among the top 10 senate candidates receiving out-of-state donations during the 2012 election cycle. He received $7,366,999, or 54.6 percent, of his donations from outside of New Jersey.

2006

Menendez was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2006 and kept the seat he acquired in his appointment earlier that year. His campaign committee raised a total of $11,950,586 and spent $13,328,665.

U.S. Senate, New Jersey, 2006 - Bob Menendez Sr. Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$11,950,586
Total Spent	$13,328,665
Total Raised by General Election Opponent	$7,635,186
Total Spent by General Election Opponent	$7,518,445
Top contributors to Bob Menendez Sr.'s campaign committee
Goldman Sachs	$93,150
Lowenstein, Sandler et al	$65,400
Langan Engineering & Environmental Svcs	$56,675
Greenberg Traurig LLP	$50,397
UBS AG	$43,150
Top 5 industries that contributed to campaign committee
Lawyers/Law Firms	$1,416,380
Real Estate	$793,013
Securities & Investment	$566,749
Construction Services	$471,250
General Contractors	$372,350

To view the breakdown of campaign funding by type click [show] to expand the section.
Breakdown of the source of Menendez's campaign funds before the 2006 election.

Personal Gain Index

See also: Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress)

The Personal Gain Index (U.S. Congress) is a two-part measurement that illustrates the extent to which members of the U.S. Congress have prospered during their tenure as public servants.
It consists of two different metrics:

• Changes in Net Worth
• The Donation Concentration Metric

PGI: Change in net worth

See also: Changes in Net Worth of U.S. Senators and Representatives (Personal Gain Index) and Net worth of United States Senators and Representatives

Based on congressional financial disclosure forms and calculations made available by OpenSecrets.org, Menendez's net worth as of 2012 was estimated between $266,005 and $714,999. That averages to $490,502, which is lower than the average net worth of Democratic senators in 2012 of $13,566,333.90. Menendez ranked as the 82nd most wealthy senator in 2012. Between 2004 and 2012, Menendez's calculated net worth decreased by an average of 5 percent per year. Between 2004 and 2012, the average annual percentage increase for a member of Congress was 15.4 percent.

Bob Menendez Yearly Net Worth
Year	Average Net Worth
2004	$769,989
2012	$490,502
Growth from 2004 to 2012:	−36%
Average annual growth:	−5%
Comparatively, the American citizen experienced a median yearly decline in net worth of -0.94%.

The data used to calculate changes in net worth may include changes resulting from assets gained through marriage, inheritance, changes in family estates and/or trusts, changes in family business ownership, and many other variables unrelated to a member's behavior in Congress.

PGI: Donation Concentration Metric

See also: The Donation Concentration Metric (U.S. Congress Personal Gain Index)

Filings required by the Federal Election Commission report on the industries that give to each candidate. Using campaign filings and information calculated by OpenSecrets.org, Ballotpedia calculated the percentage of donations by industry received by each incumbent over the course of his or her career (or 1989 and later, if elected prior to 1988). In the 113th Congress, Menendez was the chair of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Menendez received the most donations from individuals and PACs employed by the Lawyers/Law Firms industry.

From 1991-2014, 27.62 percent of Menendez's career contributions came from the top five industries as listed below.

Bob Menendez Sr. Campaign Contributions
Total Raised	$42,658,424
Total Spent	$41,044,565
Chair of the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
Top five industries that contributed to campaign committee
Lawyers/Law Firms	$4,465,731
Real Estate	$2,956,326
Securities & Investment	$1,635,538
Construction Services	$1,479,639
General Contractors	$1,243,232
% total in top industry	10.47%
% total in top two industries	17.4%
% total in top five industries	27.62%

Analysis

Ideology and leadership

See also: GovTrack's Political Spectrum & Legislative Leadership ranking

Based on an analysis of bill sponsorship by GovTrack, Menendez was a moderate Democratic leader as of July 2014. This was the same rating Menendez received in July 2013.

Like-minded colleagues

The website OpenCongress tracks the voting records of each member to determine with whom he or she votes most and least often. The results include a member from each party.

Menendez most often votes with:

• Richard Blumenthal
• Susan Collins

Menendez least often votes with:

• Joe Manchin
• Jim Risch

Lifetime voting record

See also: Lifetime voting records of United States Senators and Representatives

According to the website GovTrack, Menendez missed 61 of 3,053 roll call votes from January 2006 to September 2015. This amounts to 2 percent, which is worse than the median of 1.6 percent among current senators as of September 2015.

Congressional staff salaries

See also: Staff salaries of United States Senators and Representatives

The website Legistorm compiles staff salary information for members of Congress. Menendez paid his congressional staff a total of $3,116,650 in 2011. He ranked eighth on the list of the lowest paid Democratic senatorial staff salaries and ranked 10th overall of the lowest paid senatorial staff salaries in 2011. Overall, New Jersey ranked seventh in average salary for senatorial staff. The average U.S. Senate congressional staff was paid $2,529,141.70 in fiscal year 2011.

National Journal vote ratings

See also: National Journal vote ratings

Each year National Journal publishes an analysis of how liberally or conservatively each member of Congress voted in the previous year. Click the link above for the full ratings of all members of Congress.

2013

Menendez ranked 12th in the liberal rankings in 2013.

2012

Menendez ranked 15th in the liberal rankings in 2012.

2011

Menendez ranked 31st in the liberal rankings in 2013.

Voting with party

The website OpenCongress tracks how often members of Congress vote with the majority of the chamber caucus.

2014

Menendez voted with the Democratic Party 96.9 percent of the time, which ranked 14th among the 53 Senate Democratic members as of July 2014.

2013

Menendez voted with the Democratic Party 97 percent of the time, which ranked 11th among the 52 Senate Democratic members as of June 2013.

Noteworthy events

Federal corruption charges (2023-2024)

Indictments

On September 22, 2023, Menendez and his wife Nadine were indicted on multiple federal charges, including conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud, and conspiracy to commit extortion. The indictment alleged that Menendez and his wife received over $480,000 in cash, a luxury vehicle, gold bars, and other goods in exchange for beneficial actions toward businessmen Wael Hana, Jose Uribe, and Fred Daibes. These actions allegedly included favorable influence over a criminal investigation and protecting international business deals. The goods were found during an FBI search conducted in June 2022.

According to NBC, the indictment also alleged Menendez "provided sensitive U.S. Government information and took other steps that secretly aided the Government of Egypt." Menendez pleaded not guilty to a charge alleging he acted as a foreign agent. In a statement, Menendez said that investigators had “misrepresented the normal work of a Congressional office" and denied the allegations against him. Menendez also said the money investigators found in his home was cash from his personal savings.

Multiple members of Congress called for Menendez's resignation after the indictment was made public. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer confirmed that Menendez temporarily stepped down as chair of the Foreign Relations Committee. On September 27, 2023, Sen. Ben Cardin replaced Menendez as chair of the Foreign Relations Committee.

On September 27, Menendez and Nadine pleaded not guilty to the charges in a Manhattan federal court. Menendez was released on $100,000 bail, while Nadine was released on $250,000 bail.

On October 12, Menendez and his wife, along with a third defendant, Wael Hana, were charged by federal prosecutors for failing to register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act. On October 23, 2023, Menendez pleaded not guilty.

On January 2, 2024, Menendez was charged by the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York for using his position to aid the government of Qatar as a result of his alleged efforts to help the aforementioned businessmen. Menendez declared his innocence on the Qatar charges on the Senate floor on January 9, 2024, stating, "I have never violated the public trust. I have been a patriot for and of my country."

On January 15, attorneys representing Nadine Menendez filed a request for separate trials in the couple's bribery cases. Her trial was set to begin in July 2024, but was then postponed indefinitely for health-related reasons.

On March 5, Menendez and his wife were indicted with 18 additional charges including obstruction of justice. The indictment came after another defendant, Jose Uribe, pleaded guilty to several bribery charges revolving around the aforementioned luxury vehicle and its payments. Both Menendez and Nadine pleaded not guilty to the charges on March 11, 2024.

On March 21, Menendez announced that he would not run for re-election to the U.S. Senate as a Democratic candidate. In a video on social media, Menendez stated, "I am hopeful that my exoneration will take place this summer and allow me to pursue my candidacy as an independent Democrat in the general election."

Trial and verdict

The trial of Menendez, Daibes, and Hana was scheduled to begin on May 6, 2024, but was postponed to May 13. Judge Sidney Stein presided over the case. At the time the trial began, all three men had pleaded not guilty to their charges.

On July 16, 2024, Menendez was convicted on 16 counts of charges including honest services wire fraud, bribery, extortion, acting as a foreign agent, and obstruction of justice. He was the first U.S. senator to be found guilty of acting as a foreign agent. His co-defendants Hana and Daibes were convicted on six and seven counts respectively.

In response to the verdict, Menendez said, "[I am] a patriot of my country and for my country...I have never, ever been a foreign agent, and the decision rendered by the jury today would put at risk every member of the US Senate in terms of what they think a foreign agent would be." He also commented that he would seek to repeal the verdict. New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy (D) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D) both called for Menendez to resign following the verdict.

The sentencing for Menendez was originally scheduled for October 29, 2024, but was postponed to January 29, 2025. Judge Sidney Stein sentenced Menendez to 11 years in prison beginning June 6, 2025. Daibes received a seven year sentence, and Hana received an eight year sentence.

Senate Ethics Committee investigation

On July 22, The Senate Ethics Committee announced that it had opened an investigation into Menendez revolving around alleged actions that lead to his conviction on bribery and corruption charges. The Ethics Committee Chair, Sen. Chris Coons (D), stated, "The Committee notified Senator Menendez through his counsel that members voted unanimously to initiate an adjudicatory review of his alleged violations of Senate Rules. The Committee anticipates completing the adjudicatory review promptly.” Menendez did not immediately issue a statement about the investigation.

Resignation

On July 23, 2024, Menendez announced his resignation from the U.S. Senate effective August 20, 2024. In his resignation letter, Menendez said, "While I fully intend to appeal the jury’s verdict, all the way and including to the Supreme Court, I do not want the Senate to be involved in a lengthy process that will detract from its important work."

Federal corruption charges (2015-2018)

In 2015, the Justice Department pursued corruption charges against Menendez, claiming he received gifts from a donor in exchange for using his position in the Senate to advance the interests of the donor. The investigation was into the relationship between Menendez and Salomon Melgen, an ophthalmologist who was a frequent donor to Menendez's campaign.

The case against him ended in a mistrial on November 16, 2017, after the jurors could not reach a unanimous verdict following four days of deliberations. "To those who were digging my political grave so they could jump into my seat, I know who you are and I won’t forget you," Menendez said outside of the courthouse.

On January 19, 2018, Politico reported that the Department of Justice (DOJ) wanted to retry Menendez and Melgen. On January 24, 2018, a federal judge acquitted Menendez and Melgen on seven of the 18 counts they were tried on. On January 31, 2018, the DOJ moved to dismiss charges against Menendez and Melgen. Nicole Navas Oxma, a spokesperson for the DOJ, said in a statement, “Given the impact of the Court’s Jan. 24 Order on the charges and the evidence admissible in a retrial, the United States has determined that it will not retry the defendants on the remaining charges."

Background

Menendez responded to the initial inquiry by stating that he "always conducted myself appropriately and in accordance with the law."

Menendez was indicted by federal prosecutors on April 1, 2015. He was charged with improper use of his office to aid long-time friend and contributor to Menendez's campaigns, Salomon Melgen. Menendez was accused of helping Melgen in a conflict over Medicare charges. He was also accused of intervening to obtain a port security contract for Melgen in the Dominican Republic.

On August 24, 2015, Menendez was rebuked by the Justice Department's prosecution for attempting to have the charges against him thrown out. Menendez's lawyers argued that the prosecution used misleading evidence and acted improperly by leaking information about the investigation. In response to his lawyers' arguments, the prosecution wrote, "At their best, the defendants merely complain about routine and lawfully permitted conduct; at their worst, the defendants mischaracterize cases and conceal material facts from the Court." They added, "There was nothing improper about it, despite the defendants’ palpable regret that the investigation ultimately led to the discovery of their corrupt relationship."

On July 29, 2016, a federal appeals court rejected Menendez's attempt to get the charges against him dropped. Menendez had previously claimed that his constitutional rights as a United States senator had been violated.

On March 20, 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to take up Menendez's case.

On October 16, 2017, Judge William Walls refused to dismiss any of the 18 counts against Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) in his federal trial for bribery. NBC News reported that Menendez was the first U.S. senator in 40 years to face charges of bribery. Menendez moved to dismiss the charges pursuant to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in McDonnell v. United States, in which the court clarified the conduct constituting official government action under federal bribery statutes.

Politico reported that Walls "had signaled before court broke last Wednesday that he was sympathetic to the defense’s argument that would have gutted most of those counts — the 'stream of benefits' theory, in which a public official's actions can be defined as bribery if those actions can be linked to gifts received over a lengthy period," but the court decided to allow the trial to proceed after the government rested its case.

On October 29, 2017, Menendez and Melgen filed a motion for a mistrial, arguing that "the Court’s evidentiary rulings and comments throughout this trial evince a cumulative abuse of discretion that has deprived Defendants of their Fifth and Sixth Amendments rights to a fair trial, to an adequate defense, and to confront the witnesses against them." Walls denied the motion. After closing arguments, the case was sent to the jury. One juror was excused due to a previously planned vacation, so jury deliberations began anew on November 6, 2017. One week later, on November 13, 2017, the jury informed Walls that they could not reach a verdict. On the advice of counsel, Walls ordered the jury to return the next day to continue deliberations, but on November 16, 2017, the jury informed the judge and counsel that they were still deadlocked on all charges. After interviewing the jury foreman and another juror in front of counsel, Walls declared a mistrial in the case.

On January 19, 2018, Politico reported that the Department of Justice (DOJ) wanted to retry Menendez and Melgen. In a notice of intent to retry, the DOJ wrote, “The United States files this notice of intent to retry the defendants and requests that the Court set the case for retrial at the earliest possible date. Defendants Robert Menendez and Salomon Melgen have been indicted for bribery and corruption by two separate grand juries properly impaneled in the District of New Jersey. The first trial ended in a mistrial with a deadlocked jury. An early retrial date is in the best interests of the public, and the United States is available to schedule a retrial at the Court’s earliest convenience.”

In response, Menendez's office released the following statement: “We regret that the DOJ, after spending millions and millions of taxpayer dollars, and failing to prove a single allegation in a court of law, has decided to double down on an unjust prosecution. Evidently, they did not hear the overwhelming voices of the New Jerseyans who served on the jury this fall. Senator Menendez fully intends to be vindicated — again.”

On January 24, 2018, Walls acquitted Menendez and Melgen on seven of the 18 counts they were tried on. On January 31, 2018, the DOJ moved to dismiss charges against Menendez and Melgen. Nicole Navas Oxma, a spokesperson for the DOJ, said in a statement, “Given the impact of the Court’s Jan. 24 Order on the charges and the evidence admissible in a retrial, the United States has determined that it will not retry the defendants on the remaining charges."

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Footnotes

Political offices
Preceded by Jon Corzine (D)	U.S. Senate New Jersey 2006-2024	Succeeded by George Helmy (D)
Preceded by -	U.S. House New Jersey District 13 1993-2006	Succeeded by -
Preceded by -	New Jersey State Senate 1991-1993	Succeeded by -
Preceded by -	New Jersey General Assembly 1987-1991	Succeeded by -
Preceded by -	Mayor of Union City New Jersey 1986-1992	Succeeded by -
Preceded by -	Union City Board of Education (Chief Financial Officer) 1978-1982	Succeeded by -
Preceded by -	Union City School District, At-large 1974-1978	Succeeded by -

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New Jersey's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Cory Booker (D)

Andrew Kim (D)

Representatives

District 1

Donald Norcross (D)

District 2

Jeff Van Drew (R)

District 3

Herbert Conaway (D)

District 4

Chris Smith (R)

District 5

Josh Gottheimer (D)

District 6

Frank Pallone (D)

District 7

Thomas Kean (R)

District 8

Robert Menendez (D)

District 9

Nellie Pou (D)

District 10

LaMonica McIver (D)

District 11

Mikie Sherrill (D)

District 12

Bonnie Coleman (D)

Democratic Party (11)

Republican Party (3)