Last Updated Nov 20, 2014 2:00 PM EST On Wednesday evening, Mr. Obama hosted more than a dozen congressional Democrats at the White House to discuss his plans. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, who attended the dinner, said on the Senate floor Thursday that "what President Obama is going to suggest instead of amnesty is accountability. Accountability. Durbin laid out more of the details of Mr. Obama's plans, noting that after registering with the government, immigrants will have to pay a filing fee, submit themselves to a criminal background check and pay taxes. "The president says if you will do that under his order, it's my understanding it will say you can legally work in America," he said. You don't become a citizen. You don't have legal status beyond the work permit, but you don't have to fear deportation. Durbin continued, "This really says to those who wish to stay, if you will play by these rules, we will give you a chance to stay and work. And what's the reason? We want to deport felons. We don't want to deport families. The senator lauded the president for acting and called on House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, to pass the Senate's comprehensive immigration reform bill this year. "There is no excuse," Durbin said. If he's going to criticize the president for using his power to solve a problem, then the speaker should use his power to address that same problem. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky, did indeed say on the Senate floor Thursday morning that should Mr. Obama act "in defiance of the people," then "Congress will act." He did not, however, specify exactly what Congress would do. Meanwhile, he said that Mr. Obama's actions would "impose new unfairness on law-abiding immigrants all without solving the problem." "In fact," he added, "his action is more likely to make it even worse." "Just as with Obamacare, the action the president is proposing isn't about solutions," McConnell continued. It isn't about compassion. It seems to be about what a political party thinks would make for good politics. It seems to be about what a president thinks would be good for his legacy.