Menendez says he called gov't on behalf of donor - DC Breaking Local News Weather Sports FOX 5 WTTG

Menendez says he called gov't on behalf of donor

Posted: Updated:

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sen. Robert Menendez is acknowledging his office contacted U.S. health agencies in a way that would help his biggest political donor, the same doctor whose private jet Menendez used for two personal trips to the Dominican Republic.

But the senator denies he sought to intervene improperly in billing disputes between the doctor and the government.

Menendez, a New Jersey Democrat, says Thursday he contacted the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to ask about billing practices. This was during a dispute between CMS and Salomon Melgen, a longtime friend and donor. The FBI searched Melgen's Florida offices last week.

Menendez says, "The bottom line is, we raised concerns with CMS over policy and over ambiguities that are difficult for medical providers to understand, and to seek a clarification."

  • New Jersey NewsNew Jersey News

  • Passenger: 'I'm dead'

    Monday, June 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-06-17 22:26:45 GMT
    A man aboard a United Airlines flight bound for Newark Liberty International Airport claimed his fellow passengers on the plane had been poisoned and was screaming about going to die.
    A man aboard a United Airlines flight bound for Newark Liberty International Airport claimed his fellow passengers on the plane had been poisoned and was screaming about going to die.
  • Monday, June 17 2013 5:20 PM EDT2013-06-17 21:20:42 GMT
    Federal authorities have released new versions of flood zone maps, which could bring relief to some property owners.
    Federal authorities have released new versions of flood zone maps, which could bring relief to some property owners.
  • Monday, June 17 2013 2:56 PM EDT2013-06-17 18:56:27 GMT
    The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and a shore community will receive more than $53 million in federal reimbursement for the cost of removing debris from waterways after Superstorm Sandy.
    The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and a shore community will receive more than $53 million in federal reimbursement for the cost of removing debris from waterways after Superstorm Sandy.
Powered by WorldNow

WTTG FOX 5 & myfoxdc
5151 Wisconsin Ave. NW
Washington, DC 20016
Main Number: (202) 244-5151
Newsroom: (202) 895-3000
fox5tips@wttg.com

Didn't find what you were looking for?
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 Fox Television Stations, Inc. and Worldnow. All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Ad Choices