Reid, Ensign Announce Nearly $3 Million in Grant Funds for Real ID

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid ^ | June 23, 2008 | U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid

[mdittmar]

Nevada Senators Harry Reid and John Ensign today announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded more than $2.8 million to Nevada under the 2008 REAL ID Demonstration Grant Program.  Nevada is one of four states receiving funds for partnering with the lead hub state, Missouri, for pilot implementation and verification testing.

This program is designed to standardize drivers’ licenses and protect against fraud and identity theft.  These funds will be used to help the Department of Motor Vehicles enhance the integrity of driver’s licenses and ID cards, their issuance and security.

 

“I am pleased DHS took Nevada’s need for this program into consideration when awarding these funds,” Reid said.  “As one of the states hit hardest by fraud and identity theft, this money will go a long way toward implementing a program that will streamline the process of issuing drivers’ licenses while protecting all Nevadans.”

 

“Fraud and identity theft are very real concerns across the country, especially in Nevada,” said Ensign, who has been a leader in the Senate when it comes to preventing identity theft.  “We have all heard too many stories about friends or relatives falling victim to identity theft.  We’re pleased to announce this money today because it will help fund a program designed to minimize this threat that we all face.”

 

[Soliton]

I guess the Las Vegas casinos were for real ID for collection purposes. No way Scarry Reid would be for it for voting purposes.

[kbennkc]

I favor a bar code tattoo on the forehead .

[Buddy B]

This program is designed to standardize drivers’ licenses and protect against fraud and identity theft. These funds will be used to help the Department of Motor Vehicles enhance the integrity of driver’s licenses and ID cards, their issuance and security.

So ???? I guess a portion of my Income Tax to the IRS is now going to help the State of Nevada comply with the Federal ID Act.

I do not live in Nevada...

[Buddy B]

This program is designed to standardize drivers’ licenses and protect against fraud and identity theft. These funds will be used to help the Department of Motor Vehicles enhance the integrity of driver’s licenses and ID cards, their issuance and security.

So ???? I guess a portion of my Income Tax to the IRS is now going to help the State of Nevada comply with the Federal ID Act.

I do not live in Nevada...

[Random Access]

Next Harry will be securing funds to protect all of the deep water ports in Nevada.

[CORedneck]

How ironic, old Harry was against this stupid law when it was being pushed in the House by Sensenbrenner. This law needs to be repealed.....

[Ben Ficklin]

"I do not live in Nevada"

All states will receive grants to partially offset the costs of this unfunded federal mandate, tho, like on most federal money, those states who have their elected reps in gate keeper positions will do better.

Even those states who have officially rejected Real ID will receive money. You may recall Chertoff, earlier this year, officially deeming Montana and New Hampshire as compliant.

[Kimberly GG]

“This law needs to be repealed.....”

Why’s that?

[CORedneck]

Real ID - an invasion of privacy. One of the items is states opening their driver databases to other states. Makes identity theft easier. States that sign the Driver License Agreemen also has to open their databases to foreign countries starting with Canada and Mexico. It is information that is too easily available. Instead of punishing citizens with these laws, we need to to enforce current laws first before making new ones.

I don't know we have to tolerate illegal immigration and not enforce those laws but yet, laws that affect law abiding citizens are enforced with zeal and are enforced beyond the i dotted and t crossed !

[Kimberly GG]

Thank you for the explanation. You had information I wasn’t aware of.

[Hat-Trick]

One of the items is states opening their driver databases to other states.

And in Nebraska, that tells everyone who has a CCW. The Nebraska CCW permit is by law tied to the driver's license record.