Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., late Thursday asked a federal judge to adjust the schedule of his corruption trial so he can be present for votes in Washington this fall.

Menendez's filing specifically noted potential upcoming votes on raising the federal debt limit and a spending bill that would avoid a government shutdown.

"As the recent vote on whether to repeal the Affordable Care Act demonstrated, the Senate is divided by razor-thin margins on consequential legislation, making Senator Menendez's absence from any particular vote potentially determinative," his motion said, according to the Associated Press.

The motion also noted the perception his absence could create among jurors as well.

"The jury may draw whatever inference it wants, including that the defendant did not care enough about his or her case," the motion continued to say.

Prosecutors pushed back in a response Friday accusing the New Jersey senator of using his status as an elected official of "pick and choose the dates on which his criminal trial will be conducted."

"This case is not about the Affordable Care Act, the debt ceiling, or the balance of power in the Senate," prosecutors wrote in response to Menendez's motion. "The political consequences of defendant Menendez's trial or criminal conviction should not be considered in the courtroom. This Court has consistently recognized that defendant Menendez is not entitled to special treatment because of his status. It should maintain that principle here."

U.S. District Judge William Walls, who already rejected Menendez's request to delay the trial until the end of Senate recess in Oct., is expected to rule in the coming days.

Menendez is on trial facing federal bribery, conspiracy charges, along with making false statements. He is being accused of intervening on behalf of a major donor, Salomon Melgen, who is involved in multimillion dollar Medicare billing dispute. He is also accused of helping Melgen secure visas for several of his girlfriends from foreign countries obtain visas in an apparent quid pro quo for campaign donations and lavish trips.

Menendez told the Associated Press last week that he intends to be a continued presence in the courtroom during the trial but hopes to balance that with the demands of serving constituents and casting key votes.

"I want the jury to understand that I fervently believe in my innocence," he said. "If there is a moment where there is a critical vote, I have the constitutional right to go ahead and cast a vote and not be at the trial. I also have a constitutional right to be at the trial. So I will decide which of those constitutional rights I will exercise at any given moment," Menendez said.