New rules on licenses pit states against feds

[gLing]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Residents of at least 17 states are suddenly stuck in the middle of a fight between the Bush administration and state governments over post-September 11 security rules for driver's licenses -- a dispute that, by May, could leave millions of people unable to use their licenses to board planes or enter federal buildings.

Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, who unveiled final details of the REAL ID Act's rules on Friday, said that if states want their licenses to remain valid for air travel after May 2008, those states must seek a waiver indicating they want more time to comply with the legislation.
Chertoff said that in instances where a particular state doesn't seek a waiver, its residents will have to use a passport or a newly created federal passport card if they want to avoid a vigorous secondary screening at airport security.

"The last thing I want to do is punish citizens of a state who would love to have a REAL ID license but can't get one," Chertoff said. "But in the end, the rule is the rule as passed by Congress."

Chertoff spoke as he discussed the details of the administration's plan to improve security for driver's licenses in all 50 states -- an effort delayed due to opposition from states worried about the cost and civil libertarians upset about what they believe are invasions of privacy.

New rules on licenses pit states against feds - CNN.com

The federal government just keeps tightening it's grip all in the name of security.

 

[All Else Failed]

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

 

[gLing]

Here are the states currently opposing the Real ID Act.

State Net - Legislative and Regulatory Information Service

I can't believe Texas is not opposing this.

 

[Pudding Time]

Good on them. The feds are COMPLETELY overstepping their role.

 

[Boomer]

Here are the states currently opposing the Real ID Act.

State Net - Legislative and Regulatory Information Service

I can't believe Texas is not opposing this.

I can. The Bush family is rooted in that state.

 

[Elle]

I was just going to post that.