In 2011, the 10th Anniversary Report Card issued a harrowing warning that we cannot ignore: “The delay in compliance creates vulnerabilities and makes us less safe. No further delay should be authorized; rather, compliance should be accelerated.”
The administration’s deferment announcement claims that DHS will work with noncompliant states to fully implement Real ID. But, if history is any indication, I am not holding my breath. This is the fourth time DHS delayed implementation of something the 9/11 commission said was critical to preventing another terrorist attack.
The Real ID Act was born out of recommendations by the 9/11 commission as a necessary component to keeping America safe. The 10th Anniversary Report Card reaffirmed the need for minimum standards for identification. It is long past time for the administration to implement the law and close this critical national security vulnerability.
Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., is a former chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and current chairman of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security and Investigations.
Rep. Bill Cassidy has his blood drawn by Alesha Barbour during a free hepatitis screening in the Rayburn House Office Building hosted by the Congressional Viral Hepatitis Caucus to recognize "National Viral Hepatitis Testing Day."
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