Federal prosecutors agreed Wednesday to delay the start of the senator’s trial by at least two months. Bob Menendez and his wife, after advocates for Nadine Menendez informed that he is facing serious health problem requiring surgery.

In a letter to Judge Sidney Stein, prosecutors are asking that the May 6 start of the trial be pushed back to July or August, although they still object to the pair being tried separately.

Prosecutors report that the US government is taking seriously the unexpected health issue that arose, acknowledging that the postponement of the trial would allow the Democratic senator to devote himself to his wife’s ordeal. They rejected however Nadine Menendez’s request for an indefinite postponement.

Nadine Menendez has not specified what health problem she is dealing with, but her lawyers say she is required to undergo surgery within the next 4-6 weeks and will undergo treatment afterwards. They said Nadine Menendez will not be “physically or psychologically” able to participate in the hearing, which is expected to last about six weeks.

Sen. Bob Menendez, facing bribery charges along with his wife, is also indicted for obstruction of justice. The senator is charged with a total of 16 charges: in particular, for corruption, exercising undue influence in exchange for money on behalf of Qatar and Egypt. The Menendez couple have denied the charges.

Bob Menendez was forced to resign as chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, but he refused to surrender his seat. He has left open the possibility, if he is acquitted, to contest as an independent in November his re-election.

Democrats and independents in their caucus have a narrow majority in the Senate (51-49), which they hope to hold onto in this year’s elections. Hard battles are expected for at least 6 seats.