(CNN) The Senate Ethics Committee issued a blistering letter Thursday admonishing Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey for accepting gifts without proper approval from a wealthy ophthalmologist and returning in kind with political favors. The ethics committee said in its letter Thursday that Menendez's actions in relation to Dr. Salomon Melgen "violated Senate Rules, federal law, and applicable standards of conduct." A lawyer for Menendez said in a statement Thursday evening, "We are glad that this Ethics Committee process that began nearly six years ago is now finally resolved." With the Ethics Committee process now concluded, Senator Menendez looks forward to continuing to serve the people of New Jersey." After he was acquitted, Menendez resumed his role as the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Source: CNN April 26, 2018 21:45 UTC