Underwood to immediately replace Cuellar in prominent funding role after indictment

Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) will replace Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas), who was recently indicted on bribery charges, as the House Minority Leader responsible for funding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). He is scheduled to become the top Democrat on the committee.

Aides confirmed the news, first reported By Bloomberg Government to The Hill on Friday afternoon.

Underwood, a House Democratic aide who was previously selected to serve on the subcommittee, said. in 2021will immediately begin his role as the ranking member of the Republican-led subcommittee.

The news comes shortly after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (R-New York)’s office confirmed Cuéllar’s resignation from his position following reports that the Texas Democrat and his wife had been indicted. It was announced on. Cuellar allegedly accepted nearly $600,000 in bribes and laundered the money.

Mr. Jeffries’ office announced that Mr. Cuellar would be placed on leave in accordance with House rules.

“Henry Cuellar has ably dedicated his career to public service and is a valued member of the House Democratic Caucus,” the office said. “Like any other American, Rep. Cuellar is entitled to his day in court and the presumption of innocence throughout the legal process.”

“Pursuant to House Democratic Caucus Rule 24, Rep. Cuéllar will be placed on administrative leave as Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee while this matter is ongoing.”