Commentary: Responding to a letter sent by most members of New Mexico’s congressional delegation to Governor Susana Martinez, the Senate Majority Leader, Senator Michael S. Sanchez (D-29-Bernalillo, Valencia), today thanked the group for getting involved in the state’s REAL ID impasse, and for helping to move the issue forward. He expressed confidence that a compromise can be reached in the coming legislative session to bring the state’s driver’s license into compliance with the federal law. Sanchez also said he stands ready to inform the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of the Senate’s willingness to pass REAL ID-compliant legislation.
“We thank our representatives in Congress and the U.S. Senate who engaged the Department of Homeland Security, and for helping us to find a common sense solution to the REAL ID issue. They understand that it is time. I am certain that a bipartisan majority in the Senate can again pass a bill that establishes REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses,” said Sen. Sanchez.
“We did it earlier this year by a bipartisan vote of 35-5, and we can do it again. That bill, SB 653, was sponsored by both the Republican Senate Leader, Senator Stuart Ingle, and the Democratic Finance Chairman, Senator John Arthur Smith. It would have created a two-tier driver’s license. Unfortunately, it was never taken up by the House, and was opposed by the Governor. I hope we can reach a compromise in the next legislative session,” added Sen. Sanchez.
U.S. Secretary of DHS Mayorkas recently pledged to New Mexico’s congressional leaders that DHS would delay enforcement of the federal measure if the Governor and Legislature can agree on legislation to ensure REAL ID compliance.