Rep. Charles Rangel (Creative Commons)

A censure--a public shaming of an elected representative on the House floor--is the highest punishment the House can impose on one of its members other than kicking him or her out completely. If they vote in favor of the censure it would leave an official demerit on the record of a politician who's career has taken an embarassing tumble downward this year.

Rangel asked last week for a chance to speak to the full House and demand a lesser punishment like a reprimand, akin to just a slap on the wrist.

Though Rangel was not found to have engaged in corrupt activities, he failed to follow procedures about reporting his fundraising activities and his own personal finances.

The House ethics committee found him guilty on 11 charges last month after a few dramatic hearings.