As the real ID deadline approaches this week, a Republican lawmaker from Missouri expressed concerns about its necessity, calling it an “unnecessary” burden on Americans. Rep. Eric Burrison, in a conversation with Fox News Digital, stated his personal opposition to real IDs and questioned their effectiveness in enhancing safety.
Despite his belief that Missouri has made compliance with the upcoming May 7th deadline relatively straightforward, Burrison suggested that citizens should reconsider its necessity. He pointed out, “This was set up based on the recommendations from the 9/11 commission. Yet, all the terrorists involved had passports, indicating they possessed more than just a state ID.” He criticized the government for complicating daily life for citizens.
Real ID legislation was enacted in 2005, but its implementation has faced multiple delays, with the current May 7th deadline confirmed as final following earlier postponements by the Trump administration.
For domestic travel, individuals will require a real ID or some form of federal identification, rather than a standard state-issued license. Interestingly, travelers with a U.S. passport are not obligated to obtain a real ID.
Proponents of real ID, including the Trump administration, argued that it could aid efforts against illegal immigration. That said, the impending deadlines have resulted in crowded DMV offices and long lines at airports as states scramble to accommodate the increased demand for appointments.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) previously warned travelers to anticipate longer wait times or additional procedures at airports. Individuals without a valid ID face significant challenges, as the TSA noted that they could only board flights if they self-identified as illegal aliens.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the TSA for their thoughts on Burrison’s statements.
