Supporters of a crackdown on illegal immigration were hoping the House of Representatives would appoint a pair of conferees to consider a proposed law to punish businesses who hire illegal immigrants.

But at 4:20 p.m., the House adjourned without doing so.

Senate conferees, appointed last week, cannot meet until the House acts.

House members will not go back into session until Thursday, leaving just two days before the end of the session to deal with the issue.

Senate Bill 345 is the vehicle that Sen. Mike Delph, R-Carmel, and Rep. Vern Tincher, D-Riley, hope to use to insert new compromise language released today in an attempt to merge the House and Senate versions of the bill.

In a press conference on Monday Delph called on supporters to contact their legislators and demand action.