Other than family, I have lost everything I ever cared about,” Menendez told the judge. “For someone who spent his entire life in public service, every day I’m awake is a punishment.”

Mr. Menendez, a powerful longtime senator from New Jersey, was convicted last year on federal bribery and corruption charges.

Former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez was sentenced Wednesday to 11 years in prison for accepting bribes of gold and cash and acting as an agent of Egypt — crimes his lawyer said he’s been mocked for as “Gold Bar Bob.