article_snippet: Last week two of he the Senate aides tried to avoid testifying before the federal grand jury in the case, arguing that The senator's actions, and theirs, are protected by the U.S. Constitution's 'Speech or Debate' clause.
article_snippet: According to the New Jersey Law Journal, aide Michael Barnard refused to answer 50 questions about Bob Menendez's conversations with Sebelius and Tavenner, and also declined to talk to the grand jury about contact between The senator's office and Melgen's lawyer-lobbyist about those conversations.
article_snippet: Another more senior aide, former Menendez chief counsel Kerri Talbot, reportedly refused to testify about a separate matter.
highlights_snippet: New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez aides refused to testify before a federal grand jury about conversations His aides boss had with HHS officials and a lawyer engaged to lobby for eye doctor Salomon Melgen .
  