Abroad and at Home Menendez Has Kept on Developments

     In response to the devastating storm which swept the Philippines Senator Menendez was one of the first in Congress to call for the United States to send aid. Menendez told The Hill newspaper "The United States can and must do everything in our power to assist our friend and ally in dealing with the devastating consequences of this storm, and to help meet the needs of the Filipino people in addressing this disaster" (FoxNews.com). Menendez went on to express his, and America's, sympathy and support. The storm which hit the Philippines last week caused thousands of deaths and has wrecked infrastructure throughout the small island nation.
     Continuing with developments abroad Menendez is continuing to push for new sanctions against Iran. The White House has attempted to delay the passage of new sanctions on Iran due to recent negotiations between the two countries regarding Iran's nuclear program. However with the talks breaking down a new push for sanctions has emerged in the Senate. Both President Obama and Secretary of Sate John Kerry have pressed Congress to hold off on new sanctions while negotiations continue (Markham). Menendez has argued that increased sanctions offers "an insurance for the United States to make sure that Iran actually complies with an agreement that we would want to see" (Markham).
     In Congress House Speaker John Boehner has stated unequivocally that the immigration reform bill passed by the senate will not be taken up by the House, stating "We have no intention of ever going to conference on the Senate bill" (Mooney). Menendez has slammed Speaker Boehner for his obstruction saying that Boehner is insulting the "majority of Americans who want to see comprehensive immigration reform" (Mooney). Menendez went on point out that the Senate bill was passed with a bipartisan supermajority in the Senate. Menendez was one of the "Gang of Eight" the group of eight senators who were key to the creation and passage of the Senate immigration bill.

Sources:
Menendez among first on Capital Hill to call for US support for storm-battered Philippines. FoxNews. Published November 9th, 2013. http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/11/09/menendez-among-first-on-capitol-hill-to-call-for-us-support-for-storm-battered/

Markham, Isobel. Sen. Robert Menendez Says U.S Should Move Forward with New Iran Sanctions. ABC News. Published November 10th, 2013. http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/politics/2013/11/sen-robert-menendez-says-u-s-should-move-forward-with-new-iran-sanctions/

Mooney, Bill. Menendez lashes out at Boehner's 'obstructionism' on immigration bill. PolitickerNJ. Published November 13th, 2013. http://www.politickernj.com/69551/menendez-lashes-out-boehners-obstructionism-immigration-bill