Media spin is something that must ALWAYS be presumed. Still, I don't think they would completely fabricate this quote:
"The overwhelming majority of those that I talked to who were at the conference believe that he dissed the House Republicans," Sensenbrenner said.
Perhaps, Sensenbrenner is known to fly off at the handle sometimes. I know that Sensenbrenner never expected the "felon" issue to pass the Senate. I am sure he was aware that this would be one of the first provisions to go.
Charging an illegal alien with a felony or a misdemeanor, still means that the illegal alien is forced to go home. The outcome is the same. A illegal alien that is charged with a felony will have to serve jail time here in the US. Which means our tax dollars house and feed them during their incarceration. Then the felon is sent home. A illegal alien charged with a misdemeanor, is sent home immediately.
What I would like to see is if someone is charged with illegally entering this county and charged with a crime, whether a misdemeanor or a felony, can never again enter this country for any reason.