A split among the 55 Republican senators makes it unclear whether censure, a formal statement of condemnation, would garner the 60 votes needed to quash an expected filibuster by GOP opponents. Most of the Senate's 45 Democrats support censure, but Senate Democratic Leader Tom Daschle said about 20 Republicans would need to join them. He said if Democrats can't offer censure this week, they will push to do so later.
Opponents argue censure is either unconstitutional or a meaningless slap on the wrist.
But supporters say it allows lawmakers to express their dismay with Clinton's conduct, even if they don't think he should be ousted from office. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif, says she does not believe Clinton committed crimes that warrant his removal from office. Daschle says a handful of Democrats may oppose censure. Sen. Chris Dodd, D-Conn., a likely opponent, says he's concerned that censure could weaken the presidency. Once you take this step, it will not be difficult to do so again.