The top Democrat on the Senate Homeland Security Committee demanded the Trump administration’s answers to potentially stranded American travelers once the actual ID requirement takes effect.
Rhode Island Senator Jack Reed wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about plans to begin enforcing law enforcement that day after President Donald Trump began to enforce long-delayed Bush-era laws.
Reed wrote: “According to the recommendation of the 9/11 committee, Congress passed it, then President George W. Bush.
“Recognizing the time and complexity involved in switching to a true ID driver’s license and ID card, President Trump signed legislation in 2020 confirming when the Secretary of Homeland Security will begin implementing this requirement.”
Traveler's actual ID deadline, some federal buildings are approaching quickly
Rhode Island Senator John'Jack'Reed, right (Reuters)
The delay continued three presidential administrations due to concerns about the complexity of updating DMV and other systems in 50 states, seven territories and one region.
Then, when the Covid-19-19 pandemic hit, state agencies further left room for a real ID card until the DHS finally settled on May 7 this year.
“According to the TSA, about 20% of air travelers still use a form of identification that does not meet the actual ID requirements,” Reed wrote.
“Indeed, millions of Americans still do not have a true ID that meets a license or an acceptable alternative form of identity, such as a passport or military ID.”
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He cited the secretary's public comments at the White House that she did not want to see anyone who was delayed or unable to board the plane – for this, a real ID-compliant ID is required.
Reed concluded: “Since it seems that many travelers won’t have a compliance ID until May 7, please describe how you will ensure there are no delays at the TSA security checkpoints and what the TSA takes to deal with travelers who don’t have a truly ID-compliant airport security checkpoint.”
Americans don't have real ID cards, long DMVs are waiting to turn to other options
After its adoption in 2005, Real ID became one of the few political issues that cross-party support and oppose.
Conservatives and anti-criminal immigration groups praised the work of the Bush administration, while gun rights groups and liberal lawmakers warned that it expanded the well-known ubiquitous “big brother.”
Labor groups and liberals such as Hillary Clinton also expressed reservations to the law.
They discovered the latest agreement from Rep. Thomas Massie, who wrote on X, would be “very disappointed” to those who think that true IDs should strengthen election integrity.
“Someone is lying to you, or you are willing to do so. Please don't shoot the messenger.”
In a statement on its website, DHS delayed the claim and would use Real ID to build a new “database”, which is clearly a response to Massie-type issues.
“Real ID is a national set of standards, not a national identity card,” the agency wrote.
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Airport Departure Committee (iStock)
“Real ID does not create a federal driver’s license information database. Each jurisdiction continues to issue its own unique license, maintain its own records, and under what circumstances can access controls of those records.”
“The purpose of a real ID card is to make our identity documents more consistent and secure.”
DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Tricia McLaughlin, told Fox News Digital in a statement: “Real IDs make identification harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists. 81% of air travelers hold REAL ID-compliant or acceptable IDs. DHS will continue to collaborate with state, local, and airport authorities to inform the public, facilitate compliance, curb wait times and prevent fraud.”
McLaughlin added: “DHS responded to official communications through official channels.”
Fox News's Elizabeth Elkind and Deirdre Heaveny contribute to the report.
