Jim Sensenbrenner: “I think we ought to put this legislation into its proper perspective. First, yes, this bill expands the pilot program…”

“I think we ought to put this legislation into its proper perspective. First, yes, this bill expands the pilot program voluntarily to the 44 States where employers cannot get this information. But it is a voluntary program, and only those employers who choose to participate will participate. No employer will be forced to participate under this piece of legislation either in the 44 new States that are opened up or in the six existing States. Secondly, there is nothing in this bill that expands the database or which is the precursor for a national identification card. Nothing whatsoever. I personally am strongly opposed to a national ID card and will not support any legislation that establishes a national ID card either through the front door or through the back door. Thirdly, this legislation allows State and local governments to use the basic pilot program to access information that they can get from the Department of Homeland Security or the Social Security Administration through other means. It just makes it easier when a State and local government needs to get this information for them to get it. If we do not include this change in the law, then a private sector employer will be able to get the information in a much easier manner than our State and local governments. That does not make any sense at all.”