By Caroline Linton

    Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey rejected calls for his resignation following his indictment on federal bribery charges, striking a defiant tone Monday in his first public comments on the allegations.

    "I recognize this will be the biggest fight yet," Menendez said Monday in Union City, where he started his political career. "But as I have stated throughout this whole process, I firmly believe that when all the facts are presented, not only will I be exonerated, but I still will be New Jersey's senior senator."

    Menendez and his wife, Nadine, have been charged with conspiracy to commit bribery, conspiracy to commit honest services fraud and conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right.

    Federal prosecutors in New York alleged the couple received hundreds of thousands of dollars and lavish luxury gifts in exchange for the senator wielding his influence to benefit three New Jersey business associates and the government of Egypt. The businessmen also face charges. Menendez insisted on Monday that he has "always worked to hold accountable those countries, including Egypt, for human rights abuses," and "those who are trying to malign my actions as it relates to Egypt simply do not know the facts."

    The indictment said federal agents found stacks of cash hidden throughout Menendez's home during a search last year. On Monday, the senator said he has withdrawn "thousands of dollars in cash from my personal savings" over the last 30 years, "which I have kept for emergencies and because of the history of my family facing confiscation in Cuba."

    "This may seem old-fashioned, but these were monies drawn from my personal saving account, based on the income that I had lawfully derived over those 30 years," he added.

    Menendez said he would address the other allegations at trial.