[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 59 (Monday, May 9, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 1268, EMERGENCY SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS 
ACT FOR DEFENSE, THE GLOBAL WAR ON TERROR, AND TSUNAMI RELIEF ACT, 2005

                                 ______
                                 

                               SPEECH OF

                          HON. DARRELL E. ISSA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 5, 2005

  Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the inclusion of 
the REAL ID Act within the supplemental appropriations conference 
report. The REAL ID Act is an important step towards addressing a 
significant national security concern.
  The inclusion of the REAL ID Act in this legislation will protect 
Americans from terrorists who seek to exploit weaknesses in our 
homeland security. By allowing homeland security officials to more 
closely scrutinize asylum claims and by expanding the grounds for 
deportation to include additional terrorist related activities, this 
act makes America more secure. The creation of minimal standards for 
drivers' licenses will help reduce the use of fraudulently obtained 
state IDs to access sensitive areas and board aircraft.
  Last year, I voted against intelligence reform legislation because of 
the removal at the last minute of the REAL ID Act. I know Judiciary 
Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner strongly opposed the removal of the REAL ID 
Act from that legislation. When many had lost hope, he continued the 
fight to move the REAL ID Act through the legislative process. I thank 
Chairman Sensenbrenner for sticking by his convictions, providing 
leadership on this issue, and ensuring the inclusion of the REAL ID Act 
within this conference report.

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