States Working to Block REAL ID Law

[Ian David]

States Working to Block REAL ID Law
May 9, 2005
By Emily Pierce,
Roll Call Staff

Though the Senate is poised this week to send legislation to President Bush that sets sweeping new requirements for state drivers’ licenses, the battle is not about to end. Governors of both parties, who rue the measure as an unfunded federal mandate, vow to continue the fight.

<snip>

If a state does not meet the standards, its residents would not be able to use their drivers’ licenses as identification to get on a commercial airplane or enter federal buildings.

House Judiciary Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), who authored the provisions, has said the new drivers’ license standards will help prevent terrorists who are in the United States illegally from getting official documentation that might help them more easily carry out an attack in the United States. Backers note that several of the hijackers in the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks obtained drivers’ licenses despite having expired visas.

Still, the nearly united opposition of governors, state legislators and state licensing officials to the “REAL ID” legislation failed to stop its passage in the House on Thursday and its expected passage in the Senate this week.

More:
http://www.rollcall.com/issues/cgi-bin/udt/im.display.printable?client.id=rollcall&story.id=9175

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See related thread:
Will the Democrats vote for Real Id?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=1772126#1772133

[Mass]

1. Just read your thread

Thanks for posting it.

[NYCGirl]

2. I figured if this thing passed, the states would challenge it.

It's too expensive for the states and a bureaucratic nightmare, to boot!

[LizW]

3. What will they hold over the states to make them do this?

There must be something, else the governors would just say, "No, sorry, can't afford it."

Highway funds perhaps? Anti-terrorism funds (do the states even get any?)

[bennywhale]

4. God. Precisely the same arguments are

being used in the UK to push for compulsory ID cards with biometric data (iris image/fingerprint)

Fortunately the arguments are pretty well advanced as its been going on a year and are being gradually dismantled.

This doesn't mean they'll not be introduced however.

They'll probably call them 'freedom cards'

[madrchsod]

5. "let me see your papers"

" are your papers in order?"
"where are your travel orders"----- get used to it america this will pass the senate and bush will sign it into law. the states will be blackmailed into accepting it. so when the good people go to get their licence renewed they will become overjoyed when they have to produce twice the amount of "official documents". espcially those in smaller towns and villages across america. every few years they go to the same place and see the same worker behind counter for years and they are now questioned on who they are.
welcome to freedom america...and we didn`t think it could ever happen here.

[Ian David]

6. I'm ordering a duplicate birth certificate now

I suggest everyone have all their paperwork up-to-date and also have a passport.

Where to apply for a passport:
http://iafdb.travel.state.gov/


U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Print Passport Application Forms
It is now possible to print passport application forms in Portable Document Format (PDF). Adobe PDF files require Acrobat Reader software from Adobe Systems Inc.

The forms you print must be clear and sharp. Applications that are blurred or illegible will not be accepted. They must be printed in black print on white paper. The paper must be 8 1/2 inches by 1l inches, with no holes or perforations, at least medium (20 lb.) weight, and with a matte surface. Thermal paper, dye-sublimation paper, special inkjet paper, and other shiny papers are not acceptable.

<snip>

Most Passport Agencies now accept applications only by appointment. Click here for more information.
http://travel.state.gov/passport/about/agencies/agencies_913.html

More:
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_829.html

[genius]

7. It's not about driver's liceses. Ths bill authorizes death camps

Death camps and everything that takes place within these death camps fall within a subcatagory of the "all laws" that Chertoff may waive under the new law.