Senator Bob Menendez and his wife Nadine pleaded not guilty to federal bribery charges today after being accused of abusing his powerful position.

The pair and two of the co-defendants appeared in a lower Manhattan court this morning for the first time since being indicted last week has called for his resignation from fellow Democrats escalate.

Menendez, though, remains defiant.

And today, GOP State Assembly Leader John DiMeo said if the senior senator won't step down, he'll introduce a constitutional amendment that will force him.

The clause would suspend any indicted official from office until acquittal or conviction.

Menendez is now expected to address the Senate Democratic caucus on Thursday as he continues to deny any wrongdoing.

Senior correspondent Brenda Flanagan has the latest.

You need to give us an update and come on.

Guys.

In a show of solidarity, Senator Bob Menendez and his wife Nadine held hands as they entered federal court in lower Manhattan.

They made no comment to the crush of news crews.

Inside a packed courtroom, they sat among an army of attorneys.

Both pleaded not guilty at a brief arraignment to three counts outlined in the indictment, conspiracy to commit bribery, fraud and extortion.

Menendez allegedly traded his political clout for bribes.

And one protester outside urged him to step down.

To the right leaning resigned.

It's time for him to show some respect for our democracy and resign.

It's fine for him to fight this in court, but he's done enough to disrespect our country.

Menendez wasn't the only defendant from the sweeping indictment arraigned today.

Edgewater developer Fred De Beers also appeared in court this morning, along with codefendant Jose Uribe.

Both businessmen pleaded not guilty to plying Menendez with envelopes stuffed with hundred dollar bills, bars of gold and a mercedes Benz.

In return, the indictment alleges Menendez tried to disrupt criminal prosecution involving three businessmen.

The fifth defendant, Walhalla, was arraigned here yesterday after flying into the U.S. from Egypt.

He also pleaded not guilty and posted bail.

The court required all five of the accused to surrender passports, promise not to contact co-defendants or witnesses and agree not to travel beyond southeastern New York, New Jersey and the Washington, D.C. areas.

They all agreed to post personal bonds, 100,000 for the senator, who must also avoid contact with staff who have any knowledge of evidence in the case.

250,000 for his wife, guaranteed by their Englewood Cliffs home.

$1,000,000 for Jose Uribe secured by his home in Clifton.

2 million for De Beers.

Secured by a steak house.

And Sparkhill, New York.

And 5 million for while Hanna secured by $300,000 cash and stock shares in his company.

Could we have a few words.

With you, sir?

This is the second corruption trial Menendez faces.

The first one ended in a hung jury.

Under speedy trial requirements, the next court appearance is October 2nd.

The judge ordered prosecutors to start making evidence available to defense attorneys.

The Menendez is left court together, pushing through press to their car.

Menendez faces a possible 45 years in prison if convicted.

He left without a comment.

In Lower Manhattan, I'm Brenda Flanagan, NJ Spotlight News.