Okay, you know it's a tough editorial when the headline says the House Ethics Committee is "making a mockery" of the new ethics law.  But, it's true:

Under its new Democratic leadership last year, Congress passed legislation barring members from taking gifts from lobbyists or their clients. This included a ban on lawmakers attending parties thrown by lobbyists to "honor" them at political conventions.

Yet the House ethics committee -- its actions often belie its name -- has interpreted the law to let House members go to these bashes if there is more than one honoree. No, this is not a joke.

The Senate ethics committee, in its interpretation, ruled out this volume-discount approach buying access to senators.

The Orlando Sentinel wants Speaker Pelosi to step in and fix this.  She should.