HARRISBURG, Pa. (CBS) — A Pennsylvania House committee continues to debate a package of controversial bills aimed at cracking down on illegal immigration.

Meetings of the House State Government Committee have been contentious at times, as the panel considers illegal immigration bills backed by its chairman, Butler County Republican Daryl Metcalfe. This past week, the panel approved a Senate-passed bill that would require public works contractors to use the federal “E-Verify” database.

“To verify when you hire somebody that they actually are a citizen, or that they’re a resident alien or somebody here on a workers visa.”

But Philadelphia Democrat Babette Josephs said she found herself agreeing with some conservatives in her concerns about the database.

“I agree with the Tea Party that E-Verify is a national ID system,” Josephs confirms.

Measures still pending include one that would require verification of legal status for adults seeking public benefits.

Reported by Tony Romeo, KYW Newsradio