Republicans defeated the alternative resolution of censure offered by certain committee Democrats.

Republicans are also trying to change the subject to whether the memos show improper contacts between civil rights groups and committee Democrats.

Aides say it will also contain a strong dissent from the eight committee Democrats in the minority, who have called the proceedings a political inquisition.

Mr. Gonzalez said he had the support of seven senior committee Democrats.

But it is in his exchanges with the committee Democrats that the larger political issues will take shape.

His view was echoed by other committee Democrats.

That was the way committee Democrats and the White House planned it.

Almost immediately, the lifelong Democrat managed to rile committee Democrats.

Others suggested that committee Democrats would search for new ways to finance the package.

The committee Democrats mostly sought to reinforce Judge White's testimony.