Catholic Republicans King, Hyde Release Open Letter to U.S. Catholic Bishops on Immigration

Catholic Congressmen Peter King and Henry Hyde, have joined Congressman Sensenbrenner on writing a letter to the USCCB concerning immigration reform. Here is the money paragraph:

Lastly, we know many of you are concerned about the House bill's provision making illegal presence a felony. We share that concern. As you should know, during the House debate, Chairman Sensenbrenner offered an amendment to reduce the bill's penalty for illegal presence from a felony to a misdemeanor. Unfortunately, this amendment was unsuccessful, primarily because all but eight of our Democratic colleagues decided to play political games by voting to make all illegal immigrants felons. A felony penalty is neither appropriate nor workable. We remain committed to reducing this penalty and working with you to this end.