WASHINGTON -- Cleared of federal corruption charges, U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez is reclaiming his post as ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Menendez, D-N.J., temporarily yielded that position to U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., after his April 2015 indictment. The Justice Department announced Jan. 31 that it would drop all charges against Menendez.

"At a time of immense global challenges, I will make certain the committee holds President Trump and his administration accountable for its capricious and erratic approach to foreign policy," Menendez said.

"Now more than ever, I believe that Congress must assert its role in pursuing a robust American foreign policy that champions the values of democracy, peace, and the preservation of human rights around the globe," he said.

The decision to restore Menendez to the post was made by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer of New York. It puts Menendez in line to once again chair the committee if Democrats reclaim the Senate majority this fall.

"Senator Menendez knows how to hold this administration's feet to the fire, and I have every confidence that he'll be steadfast in his efforts to hold this president accountable for the foreign policy choices he makes that affects the safety and security of every American," Schumer said.

As the top Democrat on Foreign Relations, Menendez challenged fellow Democratic President Barack Obama on several issues, most notably opposing the Iran nuclear deal and the diplomatic opening to Cuba.

But Menendez criticized Trump in October when the president refused to certify the agreement, calling his decision "more about campaign promises and less about our national security interests."

New Jersey's junior U.S. senator, Democrat Cory Booker, also sits on Foreign Relations.

Cardin will return to the ranking position on the Senate Small Business Committee.

Jonathan D. Salant may be reached at jsalant@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JDSalant or on Facebook. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook