REAL ID Act Closes Loopholes that Allowed September 11th Attacks
REAL ID Act Closes Loopholes that Allowed September 11th Attacks
2/10/2005
WASHINGTON, DC (2/10) Legislation passed by the U.S. House today would close loopholes that allowed the 9/11 Terrorists to travel throughout the United States and board airliners they later used as weapons of terror, noted Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV).
"Securing our nation's borders is instrumental to ensuring the safety of every American," noted Capito. "Red tape and bureaucratic practices are no excuse for allowing those who would do us harm to move about freely within our borders. The REAL ID Act takes concrete steps in tracking terrorists inside the U.S. by deterring the use of a driver's license or state ID card as a weapon. In addition, reforms to our Asylum system will ensure a terrorist can be deported if a judge finds flaws in their credibility or reasons for remaining in the United States."
Capito added, "9-11 Terrorist Mohammed Atta received a 6-month visa to stay in the U.S. yet received a Florida drivers license good for six years! The terrorist pilots of Flight 77, which crashed into the Pentagon, both obtained licenses and ID cards while unlawfully living in the U.S. These are the same types of IDs used by the terrorists to pass through airport security."
The REAL ID Act takes concrete steps to fortify America's borders. The REAL ID Act would:
Stop a terrorist from using a driver's license or state ID card as a weapon by establishing standards for federal acceptance of driver's licenses and state ID cards. Require applicants to provide proof they are in the country legally and require identity documents to expire at the same time as the expiration of lawful entry status.
Stop terrorists from abusing the Asylum System by allowing judges to make credibility determinations of those applying for Asylum.
Close gaps in our nation's border security by completing construction of the San Diego Border Fence along the Mexico-U.S. border.
Strengthen America's deportation laws by making all terrorist-related offenses reasons for deportation whether you are inside our border or attempting to enter the United States.
The REAL ID Act (H.R. 418) passed the U.S. House with Capito's support by a vote of 261 to 161. Capito was one of the first Members of Congress to lend her support to the initiative.
http://capito.house.gov/press_office/detail-page.aspx?id=52&whichone=pr