Collins to Introduce ID Act Amendment
COLLINS
Bangor Daily News
Carlene Olsen
Boston University Washington News Service
2/9/07
WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 – Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) announced plans Friday to introduce a bill next week that would extend the time frame states have to create a federally mandated identification system for residents.
Collins said at a press conference she supports the Real ID Act of 2005. “I just think we need to do it in a more practical way,” she said.
The act requires states to issue federally approved driver’s licenses and identification cards to United States residents by next May, creating a national database of information in efforts to tighten security. Under the current act, state computer systems would need to undergo major updates to issue the federally compliant cards, yet government assistance is lacking, Collins said.
“The Department of Homeland Security has yet to issue regulations that give guidance to states,” she said.
The senator said she met Friday with Matthew Dunlap, Maine’s secretary of state, to discuss existing challenges under the current act before she announced her proposals to the press.
“I intend to work with my colleagues [on the bill] and I do anticipate bi-partisan support,” Collins said.
The senator’s proposed bill offers three main provisions. It would extend the time frame for states to set up compliant computer systems, establish a committee to oversee the regulations of the act and broaden the authority of the secretary of homeland security.
“We greatly appreciate [Collins’] recognizing that we cannot meet the 2008 deadline of Real ID,” said David Quam, director of federal relations for the National Governors Association. “We need more time to examine what will be required of the states.”
State government costs for implementing the act are expected to total more than $100 million from 2005 to 2009, according to estimates from the Congressional Budget Office. Though one study, conducted in part by the Governors Association and the National Conference of State Legislatures, estimated an $11 billion cost for the next five years.
“We need additional funding and more flexibility for states,” Quam said. “We’re glad Sen. Collins recognizes that.”
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