Sen. Menendez likely to take Foreign Relations panel in wake of Kerry exit

[Draggingtree]

The Hill:

 

Sen. Menendez likely to take Foreign Relations panel in wake of Kerry exit

By Julian Pecquet - 12/18/12 05:00 AM ET

Sen. John Kerry’s (D-Mass.) anticipated move to the State Department would leave the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in the hands of Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.), who has consistently bucked the White House on Cuba and Iran.

Menendez is next in line to take over the panel if Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) opts to keep her chairmanship of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, as is widely expected. That would give Menendez a key role in approving diplomatic nominees and international treaties — crucial leverage to demand a tougher stance against America's foes.