Atlanta, GA – Former Congressman Bob Barr today submitted lengthy comments opposing proposed rules implementing the REAL ID Act, and urging the Department of Homeland Security to further delay the process. The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 and would mandate that all state drivers’ licenses adhere to federal standards in order to be accepted for any federal purposes such as airline travel, obtaining federal benefits, or access to any federal facility. This is, in effect, as Barr and many others have noted, a “National ID card.”

Barr stated that “steps mandated by the REAL ID Act would do little, if anything, to tangibly protect against a future terrorist attack.” Barr cited the fact that two of the 9-11 hijackers obtained their state-issued identification cards fraudulently through corrupt state employees.

Barr further stated “the rulemaking proposal is clear recognition by the DHS that the REAL ID Act’s purpose is to establish a National ID – as dictated by common sense – and will give the DHS authority to pass judgment on virtually all state-issued identification cards. DHS should not be allowed to avoid responsibility for this by skirting the issue.”

Additionally, as Barr noted in his comments to DHS, the REAL ID Act raises a number of very serious concerns about privacy matters and identity theft. The act would also cost states tens of billions of dollars to implement.

For further information, please visit www.bobbarr.org or contact Taryn Jones at 770.836.1776.

Barr, a former Member of Congress (1995-2003), also served previously as a US Attorney and with the Central Intelligence Agency. He is a lawyer and currently works with national organizations on issues related to privacy and national security.