On the recordDecember 2, 2011
Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time. This amendment seeks to shield the Department of Homeland Security from the bill's urgently needed rulemaking reforms. There is no good reason to provide that shield. For example, take the Department's rules to extend compliance deadlines for States to issue secure drivers' licenses under the Real ID Act. Ten years after 9/11 hijackers used fraudulent licenses to board airplanes used to murder 3,000 innocent Americans, the Department of Homeland Security continues to extend the deadline. Clearly, the Department of Homeland Security should not be exempt from the bill's provisions. I urge my colleagues to oppose the amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time. The CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson Lee). The question was taken; and the Chair announced that the noes appeared to have it.
