Could this be why Peter Dykes returned from the USA smiling.Surely the nexcode technology would be able to offer a solution here.
DHS chief to testify before Senate committee on cheaper program to secure driver’s licenses Eileen Sullivan July 15th, 2009 DHS chief to promote cheaper secure licenses
WASHINGTON — Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano says the country needs to make driver’s licenses more secure to thwart terrorists, and a new program supported by the Obama administration and governors across the country would do just that.
The creation of a new secure license would replace the Bush administration’s proposed Real ID card with something called a Pass ID card.
Speaking to senators Wednesday, Napolitano says in prepared testimony that the Bush administration program is unrealistic because it’s too expensive and the technology necessary to validate the licenses is not available.
Thirteen states have voted not to participate in Real ID, and others have raised complaints.
Opponents of the new program say the Pass ID would relax rules enacted after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is promoting a new program to make driver’s licenses more secure and less expensive than the plan pushed by the Bush administration.
On Wednesday, she was scheduled to testify before a Senate committee considering legislation that would replace the former administration’s Real ID card plan with something called a Pass ID. Those who support the new program say it would not gut the security requirements in current law. But others say the new ID would relax rules enacted after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Bush’s Real ID plan has been stalled well short of nationwide implementation by opposition in the states. Thirteen states have voted not to participate, and others have raised complaints.
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 its plan for implementing the congressionally mandated program. The governors group said the current law would cost states $4 billion while the new plan could cut the costs to between $1.3 billion and $2 billion.
The 2001 attacks were the main motivation for the original law. The hijacker-pilot who flew a plane into the Pentagon, Hani Hanjour, had four driver’s licenses and ID cards from three states.
