Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Tim Kaine, D-Va., have discussed issuing a bipartisan rebuke of former President Donald Trump, reports Axios.
It is unclear whether a resolution would come in place of an impeachment trial. Censure requires just 51 votes and would allow Republican lawmakers who say impeachment is too divisive to still vote their conscience.
President Joe Biden in his inauguration speech said a bipartisan censure would be an opportunity for a true expression of unity.
Several House Republicans have signaled their willingness to censure Trump, including House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy. GOP Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania almost two weeks ago introduced a resolution to censure the former president over his role in disputing the results of the 2020 presidential election and stoking the Capitol riots on Jan. 6 that left five dead.
"President Trump gravely endangered the security of the United States and its institutions of Government," the resolution reads.
Censure is a formal statement of disapproval and is considered nonbinding. Impeaching Trump would bar him from running from office again.
No president has been censured after leaving office.
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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