GOP House reactions to Bush's immigration plan

The first response from House GOP members is very important to the tone that they will have while they debate Bush's points and the Senate's legislation for conference.

The Los Angeles Times:

Rep. David Dreier of San Dimas, a member of the House Republican leadership, said, "It remains to be seen" whether a majority of the GOP rank-and-file would go beyond an enforcement-only bill.

The New York Times:

"The emphasis that he placed on the amnesty provision will not fly, especially in the House," said Representative Tom Tancredo, Republican of Colorado, who is one of the leaders of efforts to stop illegal immigration from Mexico and Central America.

Mr. Tancredo and other Republicans said their party was already facing a difficult midterm election. They said the party would suffer if the president successfully advanced his proposal, which they said diverged with public opinion and carried the risk of alienating much of the Republican base.

"It is a nonstarter with the American people, and the Republican Party will pay the price at the polls," said Representative Dana Rohrabacher, Republican of California.

The Boston Globe:

''Thinly-veiled attempts to promote amnesty cannot be tolerated," added Representative Tom Price, a Georgia Republican and another member of the caucus. ''Rewarding those who break our laws not only dishonors the hard work of those who came here legally, but does nothing to fix our current situation."