But regardless of what happens in the criminal-justice system, why did the Senate — which is supposed to enforce its own ethical standards — sit on its hands since many of the facts of the case became public five years ago? Why did they do nothing while Menendez delayed the start of his trial for years while he pursued the bizarre theory that the official acts he did for Melgen were constitutionally protected under the Speech or Debate Clause?…

Even if the criminal law has been so diminished that private jets and luxury resorts don’t constitute bribes, any reasonable standard of ethics tells us taking and concealing such gifts is wrong. Especially when they’re being given by a friend who runs a Medicare fraud scheme for which the senator actively lobbies.