At trial, Gold was charged with three counts of perjury.

But Republicans outside the committee say they expect 15 to 20 of their members to defect, even on a perjury count.

Republicans said they were debating whether there should be one count of perjury or two.

The foundation, also named in two counts of perjury, could be fined $1 million.

The perjury count on which he was convicted yesterday carries a possible prison term of five years.

Each perjury count carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

The jury fails to reach a verdict on three perjury counts.

Gross was indicted in May 1973 on five counts of tax fraud and perjury.

She was charged with three counts of perjury but acquitted on 23 May 1999 following a trial by jury.

One of the four was also convicted for two counts of perjury.