Bill for DHS to Waive All Law Rides on Iraq War Supplemental - March 21, 2005 Vol.6, No.6

March 21, 2005 Vol.6, No.6:

Published: 03/21/2005

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More information about the bill placing DHS above the law

Bill for DHS to Waive All Law Rides on Iraq War Supplemental

The House of Representatives voted to attach H.R. 418, the REAL ID Act — a bill that includes a dangerous provision empowering the Secretary of Homeland Security to waive all law when securing the nation’s borders — as a rider to the Iraq war supplemental, which passed the House and now is moving to the Senate.

The House decided on March 16 to attach H.R. 418 as a rider by voice vote and subsequently voted out the must-pass supplemental with a vote of 388-43.

Some in the Senate had expressed skepticism about the REAL ID Act, which includes not only the controversial proposal empowering DHS to waive all law but also establishes nationwide driver’s license standards and makes asylum claims more difficult to pursue. By attaching the REAL ID Act to this must-pass spending bill, the House Republicans are attempting to avoid a heated debate on the REAL ID Act itself.

The REAL ID Act already passed the House on Feb. 10, in a 261-161 vote.

Get more information about the significant threat to the public interest from the REAL ID Act, and take action.