WASHINGTON — The Senate wants to replace a Bush administration program to secure driver’s licenses with a plan that would cost states less money.
Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said the new plan, introduced Monday, would refine the current Real ID program, but would not gut the security requirements of the law, passed in 2005 after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
The National Governors Association helped write the new proposal. As Arizona governor, Napolitano said the Bush administration did not collaborate enough with governors in the development of the program.
The 2001 attacks were the main motivation for the original law. The hijacker who flew into the Pentagon, Hani Hanjour, had four driver’s licenses and ID cards from three states.
Real ID-compliant driver’s licenses have several layers of security features to prevent forgery.
Unless the current law is changed, people would need a driver’s license that meets the Real ID standards to board an airplane. But the proposed plan would not require that birth certificates be confirmed with the agency that issued them, or mandate that people need these licenses to board planes.
The Bush administration said Real ID would hinder terrorists and illegal immigrants. Opponents said it will cost too much and weaken privacy protections.
