Major Controversies Surrounding Henry Cuellar: A Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the most debated and controversial moments involving Henry Cuellar.

Henry Cuellar is an American attorney and politician. He has served as the U.S. Representative for Texas's 28th congressional district since 2005. As a member of the Democratic Party, he represents a district that stretches from the Rio Grande up to the suburbs of San Antonio.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

December 2014: Start of Alleged Bribery Scheme

The indictment states that the alleged bribery scheme began around December 2014, involving laundered money from Azerbaijan and a Mexican bank.

2014: Voted for Republican Measure

In 2014, Henry Cuellar voted for a Republican measure blocking the implementation of a Washington, D.C., decriminalization law.

2018: Fired Pregnant Staffer

In 2018, Cuellar fired a pregnant staffer who requested parental leave and subsequently suffered a miscarriage.

2020: Voted Against MORE Act

In 2020, Henry Cuellar was one of six House Democrats to vote against the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act, which aimed to legalize cannabis at the federal level.

November 2021: End of Alleged Bribery Scheme

The indictment states that the alleged bribery scheme ended around November 2021, involving laundered money from Azerbaijan and a Mexican bank.

2021: Voted Against Women's Health Protection Act

In 2021, Henry Cuellar was the only Democrat to vote against the Women's Health Protection Act, which aimed to preserve access to abortion nationwide.

January 19, 2022: FBI Search Warrant

On January 19, 2022, the FBI obtained a search warrant for Cuellar's Laredo residence and campaign office as part of a federal probe relating to Azerbaijan.

May 2022: Lawyer Claims Innocence

As of May 2022, Cuellar's lawyer maintained Cuellar was innocent in the FBI investigation.

January 2023: No Arrests Made

As of January 2023, no arrests had been made in the case, and the FBI had not indicated Cuellar was a person of interest in the ongoing investigation.

March 2023: Announced Vote to Roll Back Environmental Regulations

In March 2023, Henry Cuellar announced that he would vote to roll back environmental regulations in President Biden's Inflation Reduction Act.

2023: Voted to Amend Defense Policy Bill

In 2023, Henry Cuellar was among four Democrats who voted to amend the annual defense policy bill to ban a Biden administration policy that allowed service members to be reimbursed for abortion-related travel and other expenses.

May 3, 2024: Indictment on Money Laundering Charges

On May 3, 2024, Cuellar and his wife, Imelda, were indicted on money laundering, conspiracy, and bribery charges.

May 2024: Indicted on Federal Charges

In May 2024, Henry Cuellar was indicted on money laundering, bribery, and conspiracy charges by a federal grand jury in Houston, Texas.

2025: Voted for Laken Riley Act

In 2025, Henry Cuellar was one of 46 House Democrats who joined all Republicans to vote for the Laken Riley Act.

2025: Voted for Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act

In 2025, Henry Cuellar was one of two House Democrats to vote in favor of the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, which would ban transgender athletes from participating in women's and girls' sports at federally funded schools.