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Security Chief Defends Federal ID Mandate
Security
Homeland Security Chief Defends Federal Identity Mandate
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on Tuesday defended a federal law that mandates nationwide standards for driver's licenses and identification cards. The Washington Times reports that Chertoff told members of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee that he is “pretty adamant” that the so-called REAL ID Act can be implemented properly before a May 2008 deadline. “We don't want to keep kicking the can down the road," he said. Panel ranking Republican Susan Collins of Maine, who last week announced plans to introduce legislation that would give states two extra years to comply with the law, criticized Homeland Security for taking so long to issue guidance to the states for compliance. Chertoff said his department has taken so long largely to address privacy concerns. Sen. John Warner, R-Va., said he is concerned about the financial burden of the law on states.
Posted by Danny on February 14, 2007 08:59 AM | Permalink
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