U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein responding to your message

[http://www.feinstein.senate.gov/~senator]

May 4, 2005

Mr. Robert
, Apartment 9
Hayward  

Dear Mr.:

       Thank you for your letter regarding the "REAL ID Act of 2005" 
(H.R. 418). I welcome the opportunity to respond.
       As you know, Congressman Sensenbrenner introduced H.R. 418 
in the House of Representatives earlier this month, and the bill passed the 
House of Representatives on February 10th. Generally, I support the 
thrust of the bill, which I am in the process of reviewing.  I would hope 
that there will be hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee and that we 
will follow Senate procedure.  I may have some changes to recommend 
and believe there needs to be a thorough analysis and discussion of its 
provisions.

       I believe that the Federal government should have the ability to 
issue standards that all state-issued driver's licenses and identification 
documents should meet. The issue is how should this be done, phased in 
and paid for.  And I think that the Senate needs to examine these issues 
and help ensure it is not an unfunded mandate on the states. 

       Finally, I also am a strong supporter of Operation Gatekeeper 
and completion of the border fence, which is one of the bill's provisions. 
       
       Again, thank you for writing, and please know that I will keep 
your comments in mind as the Senate considers this legislation. I hope 
you will continue to keep in touch. If you have any further questions 
please contact my Washington, D.C. staff at (202) 224-3841.
			
			Sincerely yours,

			Dianne Feinstein
			United States Senator