Darlene Hooley: “this amendment is simple and could go a long ways towards increasing the security of our States' drivers licenses, which…”

“this amendment is simple and could go a long ways towards increasing the security of our States' drivers licenses, which are the primary means of photo identification in this country. These documents are too easily forged, counterfeited, stolen, or improperly distributed. In fact, the Inspector General for the Department of Transportation recently stated that a Maryland DMV employee had pleaded guilty to falsifying driver licenses for 10 people. How many of these could have ended up in the hands of terrorists or criminals seeking to steal the identity of law-abiding citizens? Drivers licenses are literally the keys to the country's security. With a driver's license, when you show your identity, you can write a check. When you show your driver's license, you can get on a plane; when you show your driver's license, you can take a tour of the White House. In Oregon, a local woman is serving an 11-year sentence in prison because she was finally caught producing counterfeit drivers licenses right out of her home. State DMVs must do a better job of securing our primary piece of identity, and this $500,000 in funding will allow the Secretary to direct the Department of Transportation to study and present recommendations on how we can better secure these crucial documents.”