Sen. Bob Menendez says he'll be "vindicated" in a corruption case against him.

He says defiantly he has always acted in accordance with the law and fought for what's right and isn't "going anywhere"

Menendez was charged Wednesday with accepting nearly $1 million worth of gifts and campaign contributions from a longtime friend in exchange for political favors.

The federal grand jury indictment accuses Menendez of using the power of his Senate seat to benefit a wealthy Florida eye doctor who prosecutors say provided him with luxury vacations, airline travel, golf trips and monetary contributions to a legal defense fund.

Menendez previously acknowledged taking actions that could benefit his friend but said he did nothing wrong.

He says he's "ready to fight" the charges.

The senator has temprarily stepped down as the ranking member of the Foreign Relations Committee in light of these charges.

"While there is no caucus rule that dictates that I do so, I believe it is in the best interests of the Committee, my colleagues, and the Senate, which is why I have chosen to do so," he said in a statement.

 Sen. Menendez is scheduled to appear in federal court in Newark on Thursday.