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The Real ID Repeal and Identification Security Enhancement Act was introduced last Friday in the House of Representatives. Proposed by Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee, the bill seeks to nullify the Real ID Act’s remaking of states driver’s licenses into national identity cards. Attached to an Iraq war/ Tsunami relief supplemental bill, the Real ID Act was passed by Congress and signed into law by President George W. Bush in 2005. The law, which requires that state driver’s licenses and state ID cards be enhanced with features that will allow for the scanning of personal data, has been prohibited by fifteen states. Another ten states have passed resolutions opposing Real ID. Proponents state the controversial act is necessary for combating terrorism and fraud nationwide. Critics, however, contend that Real ID imposes significant costs for taxpayers, citizens, immigrants and state governments. They also say that it’s invasive of people’s privacy and puts in place bureaucratic burdens for those who do not meet the inflexible verification requirements.

GUEST: Chris Calabrese, Counsel for the ACLU’s Technology and Liberty Project

For more information visit www.realnightmare.com.