(15 July 2009) Today I attended a hearing of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee http://hsgac.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Hearings.Hearing&Hearing_ID=3d9a52cd-c442-4dee-9a1f-b02ed3b38000
Not one witness was called that opposed the Real ID Act 2005 and the PASS Act. Nothing new or unexpected took place. My purpose for being in D.C. was not solely to be at the hearing but more importantly to meet with staff people including staff directors and "others" about my being able to testify at the first hearing devoted strictly to the PASS Act.
I was infuriated at what took place today. I left when the second panel of witnesses took their seats. I am intentionally not being too descriptive. If I want to or expect to be called as a witness, I must maintain the decorum expected. Many people are working on assisting us.
I was very happy to see EPIC in attendance even though they were not called to testify. Sheila Dean of Texas 5-11 was also present. She deserves a good deal of gratitude by those in Texas.
The Associated Press was also in attendance. The writer was not the same writer I have worked with that had his story published last Sunday in over 450 newspapers. I am not at liberty to discuss future events with regard to AP. Respecting a certain degree of confidentiality is a requirement whether I am working with the media or lawmakers if I expect them to have confidence in me.
I have sent the AP reporter my response to the hearing today. Hopefully she will consider my comments if and when AP decides to run a story about the hearing. Time will tell.
Three points of significant interest.
1) It was not a re-evaluation of Real ID as the hearing was "billed". A re-evaluation would not presume that Real ID or any legislation originating with the federal government is needed. The hearing today was an affirmation that the federal government should set standards for state driver's licenses. It is noteworthy that not one witness was called that opposed Real ID and the PASS Act.
2) L-1's lobbyist was walking around as if she owned the place. There was a "stacked deck" today. There is good reason to believe that situation may change. Those of you that have supported our efforts know I shoot for the stars but we have reason to do so. We managed to bring the ACLU and the ACLJ together to speak out against Real ID. We were told we would never accomplish that task. We have "built a bridge" to mainstream media and once again we were told that would not happen. We worked with lawmakers in states to get anti-Real ID legislation passed by using a non partisan approach. We were told we would not be able to get Democrats, Independents and Republicans to come together to oppose Real ID. Our most immediate goal is to do what we have done at the state level many times-testify, only this time before Senator Lieberman's committee.
3) I do informal surveys in each city/state I am in to determine if people are aware of the Real ID Act 2005. As I continue to do this I am finding people are becoming aware and engaged. Today's hearing was standing room only and even with that people could not fit in and were left in the hallway.
I have been told I could submit written testimony and the committee would accept and consider that testimony. Not withstanding the fact I appreciate the offer from Senator Lieberman and his staff people I have elected not to submit written testimony at this time.
Once I submit written testimony it can get lost in the other written testimony. An argument could be made that my written testimony was considered BUT the committee decided not to act on recommendations/suggestions I would make. It is our position that the public and media would have a much greater likelihood of considering our position if I was able to testify in person. Yes, the media and/or the public might be able to get a copy of my written testimony but realistically how often does anyone in the public request the written testimony? The answer is rarely, if ever.
Our alternative to Real ID is doable and addresses the concerns that the senators have about document integrity and document security with regard to state driver's licenses.
I will be made aware of the next hearing. The hearing today was not about a vote but rather a "re-evaluation" of Real ID itself. We are holding firm to our belief that we have earned the right to testify in person. It is because of people such as yourselves that we have gained the recognition and the credibility we have. No other organization has focused on the international standards or biometrics as we have. The issue of global information sharing must not be left "out of the equation". Yes, it is true that we are shooting for the stars again. We believe because we have from day one adopted the position that failure is not an option, that we are prepared to stand our ground. We ask you stand with us.
Please continue to call Senator Lieberman's office (202) 224-4041 and ask politely that I, Mark Lerner be allowed to testify in person. (202) 224-2627 is the committee number. There is no longer a need to call the other senators. Senator Lieberman will be making the decision. Please call both numbers. We must be respectful or our testimony will not be allowed to be heard.
Share this communication with everyone you are in contact with please!!!!!! Refer everyone to our/your web-site www.stoprealidcoalition.com
