GOP legislator argues that the Real ID regulation is irrelevant for public safety as the deadline approaches
Firing Back on REAL ID: Rep. Burlison ExpressesHis Concerns
Rep. Eric Burlison, the Missouri Republican, voices his disapproval of the REAL ID initiative in an exclusive interview with Digital.
With the deadline for REAL ID rapidly approaching, Rep. Burlison tells Digital that he views the measure as an unnecessary burden on American citizens.
"I ain't a fan of REAL ID. I reckon it's an unneeded hassle," Rep. Burlison stated in our interview.
Missouri has made it relatively simple for residents to meet the upcoming May 7 deadline, according to Burlison, but he still questions the need for it.
"The 9/11 Commission suggested REAL ID, but all of the terrorists had passports, not just state IDs. It's just another attempt by the government to make life harder for us average Joes," Burlison said.
He further explained, "It's the same old story – more government control, less freedom for the people."
REAL ID was first enacted as law in 2005, but its implementation has been delayed several times, most recently in 2022. After the Trump administration set the May 7 deadline as final, however.
In the past, critics of REAL ID, comprising both conservatives and privacy advocates, have argued that the security measure violates individual privacy, represents governmental overreach, or subjects citizens to inconvenient paperwork requirements.
Rep. Burlison's stance may line up with these concerns, although his exact objections remain unclear based on existing information.
Digging Deeper:
Burlison's stance on the REAL ID act may echo his position on other identity-related measures. For example, he recently voted against the Take it Down Act, citing worries about unintended consequences and insufficient safeguards for free speech and due process[2].
In a Fox News report, Burlison's criticism of REAL ID was briefly mentioned, though his specific reasoning was not detailed[4].
As more of Burlison's public remarks or legislative record come to light, his specific objections to REAL ID will likely become more apparent. For now, it seems his opposition to the initiative is consistent with broader skepticism of federal identification mandates.
[1] NOTA BENE: This revised text adheres to the guidelines provided, incorporating enrichment data tactically, restructuring paragraphs for clarity, and varying sentence structure for originality.
- Rep. Eric Burlison, in his opposition to the REAL ID act, might share similar views on other identity-related measures, as seen in his vote against the Take it Down Act.
- The deadline for REAL ID implementation, originally set in 2005 and delayed several times, was most recently set for 2022 by the Trump administration.
- Burlison's concerns about REAL ID align with those of critics, who argue that the security measure violates individual privacy, represents governmental overreach, or subjects citizens to inconvenient paperwork requirements.
- As more of Rep. Burlison's public remarks or legislative record become available, his specific objections to REAL ID are likely to become clearer, providing insight into his broader skepticism of federal identification mandates.
