The supporters of Real ID are making a last ditch effort to save the embattled program. As part of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Bill, to be debated on the Senate floor the week of July 23, Sen. Lamar Alexander will offer an amendment to fund Real ID to the tune of $300 million. Of course, this is a drop in the bucket compared to the $23 billion DHS has estimated Real ID will cost nationally, making this "sucker money."
The Real ID Act creates a federal identity document that every American will need in order to fly on commercial airlines, enter government buildings, open a bank account, and more. It creates huge administrative burdens for state governments, while providing no federal funds for implementing its onerous requirements. At the same time, it does nothing to combat terrorism, and puts us at greater risk for invasions of privacy and identity theft. Seventeen states have spoken out against the Real ID Act, and conservatives and liberals alike have voiced serious opposition to the law.
Tell the Senate to reject S. 1644 and the "sucker money" offered by the Alexander amendment.
