Steve Daines: “in 2005, the Federal Government enacted the REAL ID Act, imposing Federal standards established by the Department of…”

“in 2005, the Federal Government enacted the REAL ID Act, imposing Federal standards established by the Department of Homeland Security to the production and issuance of States' driver's licenses and identification cards. This law was an underfunded, top down, Federal mandate, infringing on personal privacy and State sovereignty. Furthermore, a REAL ID compliant State ID will be required for all ``official federal purposes,'' including boarding commercial aircraft. Twenty States have implemented laws prohibiting the implementation of REAL ID. Montana led opposition to this Federal mandate. In 2007, Montana enacted a law, after both chambers of the State legislature unanimously passing legislation, refusing to comply. That is why I am re-introducing the Repeal ID Act--to allow Montana and other States to implement their laws. Consistent with the Montana State legislature, this legislation will repeal the REAL ID Act of 2005. Montanans are fully aware of the power that big data holds and the consequences when that data is abused. Montana has shown how States are best equipped to make licenses secure, without sacrificing the privacy and rights of their citizens. The Repeal ID Act will allow us to strike a balance that protects our national security, while also safeguarding Montanans' civil liberties and personal privacy.…”