Senate offers new plan to secure driver's licenses

[babylonsister]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_SECURE_DRIVERS_LICENSES?SITE=CONGRA&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Senate offers new plan to secure driver's licenses

By EILEEN SULLIVAN
Associated Press Writer


WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate wants to replace a Bush administration program to secure driver's licenses with a plan that would cost states less money.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said the new plan, which was introduced Monday, would refine the current Real ID program, but would not gut the security requirements of the law, passed in 2005 after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

"It is a recognition that Real ID, as originally passed, is simply not being put in place by the states," Napolitano said Monday.

The National Governors Association helped write the new proposal. As Arizona governor, however, Napolitano said the Bush administration did not collaborate enough with governors in the development of the congressionally mandated program. The association said the current law would cost states $4 billion while the new plan could cut the costs to between $1.3 billion and $2 billion, the association's spokeswoman said.

snip//

Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., said the new proposal would bring the country back to pre-9/11 standards.

"She's dead wrong on this issue," Sensenbrenner said of Napolitano.

Sensenbrenner points to the 9/11 Commission Report which called for a secure driver's license.

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Sen. Daniel Akaka, a co-sponsor of the bill, said the new proposal does exactly what the 9/11 Commission recommended:

"It sets strong security standards for the issuance of identification cards and driver's licenses," the Hawaii Democrat said in a statement.

[Thrill]

1. As usual. The Republican attacks with fear mongering

[cliffordu]

2. It's the mark of the beast!!!!! Series!!!!

goddamned republicans can't count past 666

[jmowreader]

3. Oh god, just don't let them pass this until after my license gets here

The State of Texas has, thanks to RealID, been sitting on my driver's license for two months already. I don't think I can afford another redesign.