WASHINGTON—The National Governors Association (NGA) today issued the following statement regarding the committee passage of PASS ID:

“The nation’s governors applaud members of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee for passing the Providing for Additional Security In States’ Identification Act of 2009 (PASS ID). This legislation transforms an unworkable law into a practical solution. PASS ID draws on the strengths of REAL ID while eliminating the weaknesses that led a number of states to pass laws barring their participation.

PASS ID offers a more feasible, cost effective solution that will make everyone more secure while maintaining state flexibility. The bill allows states to develop innovative solutions that strengthen privacy protections, while also modernizing systems for the 21^st Century.

NGA commends the committee for its work and encourages passage by the full senate in the fall.”

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Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association (NGA) is the collective voice of the nation’s governors and one of Washington, D.C.’s most respected public policy organizations. Its members are the governors of the 50 states, three territories and two commonwealths. NGA provides governors and their senior staff members with services that range from representing states on Capitol Hill and before the Administration on key federal issues to developing and implementing innovative solutions to public policy challenges through the NGA Center for Best Practices. For more information, visit www.nga.org.