Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) is scheduled to become the leading Democrat on the House subcommittee responsible for creating funding for the Homeland Security Department (DHS), replacing Rep. Henry Cuellar (D-Texas) shortly after he was charged with bribery.
Aides verified the information, initially disclosed by Bloomberg Government, to The Hill on Friday afternoon.
A House Democratic assistant mentioned that Underwood, who was previously selected to work on the subcommittee in 2021, will promptly start serving as the ranking member on the GOP-led subcommittee.
The information comes shortly after House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries’s (D-N.Y.) office verified Cuellar would be resigning from the role following reports that the Texas Democrat and his wife had been charged. Cuellar has been accused of having accepted nearly $600,000 in bribes and illegally moving the money.
Jeffries’ office mentioned that Cuellar would take a break according to House regulations.
“Henry Cuellar has commendably dedicated his career to public service and is a valued Member of the House Democratic Caucus,” the office stated. “Like any American, Congressman Cuellar is entitled to his day in court and the presumption of innocence throughout the legal process.”
“According to House Democratic Caucus Rule 24, Congressman Cuellar will take a break as Ranking Member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee while this matter is ongoing.”
