On the recordJune 1, 2011
As we approach the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, we are reminded that a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission is still not completely addressed, that is, the security of the most commonly used form of identification in the United States, the driver's license. All but one of the 9/11 hijackers carried some form of government- issued ID, mostly State driver's licenses, many of which were obtained in fraudulent manners. During the planning stages of the attacks, these documents were used to rent vehicles, evade law enforcement officials, enroll in flight school and board airplanes. In 2005, Congress passed, and the President signed, the REAL ID Act to address the security gap and require States to meet certain security standards for the issuance of driver's licenses and identification cards. Despite that action 6 years ago, REAL ID has yet to be fully implemented. My distinguished colleague, the chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Mr. Smith, has some views to offer on this important topic. I yield to the gentleman from Texas.
