US federal prosecutors reportedly have no objections to rescheduling the case, the report said.
In April 2015, Menendez and his friend and donor, Florida ophthalmologist Salomon Melgen, were indicted by a New Jersey Court on one count of conspiracy, eight counts of bribery, one count of violating the US Travel Act and three counts of honest services fraud.
From January 2006 to January 2013, Menendez accepted at least $1 million worth of gifts and campaign contributions from Melgen in exchange for using his power as Senator to help secure millions of dollars in Medicare contacts for Melgen’s ophthalmology office, according to the indictment.
On April 2, Menendez denied the accusations of corruption around his relationship with Melgen and pleaded not guilty.
Attorneys for Menendez and Melgen justified the rescheduling the case by saying it will likely have motions pending or an appeal taken by October 13. The attorneys have also argued that the defendants will need more time to prepare for the trial, according to media reports.
Menendez is the ranking Democrat on the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and original sponsor of the Ukraine Freedom Support Act. He has been supportive of President Barack Obama’s immigration reform, which could allow millions of undocumented immigrants avoid deportation from the United States and acquire work permits.
