House Could Punish Rangel As Early as Tuesday

Embattled New York Congressman Charlie Rangel (D) pleads his case at his ethics committee sentencing hearing Thursday. (FOX News image)

Ethics Committee Chairwoman Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) tells Fox her panel has sent its censure resolution of Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) to the House floor tonight.

The resolution is "privileged." That means it skips to the front of the legislative line. The House either considers the resolution right away, or can wait no more than two days to debate it.

The House is finished with legislative business now, which means it could consider the Rangel resolution as early as Tuesday.

Rangel tells Fox he hasn't been briefed on when the resolution will come up.

"It's up to the chairman," said Rangel, referring to Lofgren. "I've been told that she calls the shots."

As to when the House might consider the matter, one senior leadership aide indicated they were unsure. Another senior aide doubted the House would tackle the Rangel resolution on Tuesday.

Censure is a punishment just below expulsion. It's sometimes described as a reprimand on steroids.

If lawmakers vote to censure Rangel, he would stand in the well of the chamber as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) delivers a verbal rebuke.