The process has begun to have senators Mike Duffy, Pamela Wallin and former senator, Patrick Brazeau suspended without pay.

Three motions were tabled in the Senate today. They will go before the senate next Tuesday.

Wallin and Brazeau are accused of claiming inappropriate travel expenses while Duffy is alleged to have made improper housing expense claims.

Earlier today Duffy announced that he is taking medical leave, preempting his suspension.

In a letter to the Senate Speaker, Duffy says he’s been advised by his doctor to avoid stress and stay off work until his medical team clears him to resume normal activity.

The RCMP is also investigating a transaction in which Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s former chief of staff, Nigel Wright, gave Duffy $90,000 to reimburse the Senate for his inappropriate expense claims.