U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) said at the American Israel Public Affairs Committee conference that he will not let Iran develop nuclear weapons until his watch. Photo: Maxine Dovere.

The Justice Department is preparing to bring criminal corruption charges against New Jersey Sen. Robert Menendez, a Democrat, alleging he used his Senate office to push the business interests of a Democratic donor and friend in exchange for gifts.

People briefed on the case say Attorney General Eric Holder has signed off on prosecutors’ request to proceed with charges, CNN has learned exclusively. An announcement could come within weeks. Prosecutors are under pressure in part because of the statute of limitation on some of the allegations.

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