Sen. Benjamin Cardin has been tapped to replace embattled Sen. Robert Menendez as the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee.
Cardin, of Maryland, will take over as the ranking member “temporarily,” Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., announced Thursday.
The move comes a day after New Jersey’s Menendez was indicted on federal corruption charges related to his relationship with a prominent eye doctor who took him on lavish trips and golf outings.
Menendez stepped aside from his committee post voluntarily as there is no Democratic caucus rule requiring indicted senators to relinquish leadership posts.
The change in leadership thrusts Cardin into one of the most visible and significant positions in the Senate as lawmakers there prepare to take up legislation in response to the nuclear deal in Iran.
While Cardin sides with other Democrats who want the Senate to have a say in the deal, he is a far less outspoken critic of the Obama administration than Menendez, who has repeatedly slammed the president on his foreign policy tactics and in particular the Iran deal.
Earlier this week, Cardin told Bloomberg News he is optimistic about the nuclear talks.
“I really take issue with those who are saying we can’t have an effective agreement,” Cardin said.
Cardin told Bloomberg the deal would require strong safeguards to ensure Iran is following the rules. He said he also believes there are enough votes in the Senate to pass the bill requiring Senate review and approval of a nuclear deal.
Cardin is currently ranking member on the Senate Small Business Committee. Reid announced Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., will take his place as the top Democrat on that panel.
