Cardin named chair of U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee

U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin of Maryland was named chair of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday. He replaces Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey, who pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to federal charges accusing him of pocketing bribes of cash and gold bars in exchange for wielding his political influence to secretly advance Egyptian interests and do favors for local businessmen. Menendez was forced to step down as chairman of the committee and is facing increasing calls for his resignation.