Golden To Introduce Legislation To Halt Governor's Misguided New Policy On Issuance Of Driver's Licenses

Brooklyn- State Senator Martin Golden (R-C, Brooklyn) is announcing that he will introduce legislation in the New York State Senate that will mandate a valid Social Security number, cross checked with the federal Social Security database, prior to the issuance of all New York State driver’s licenses. Senator Golden is responding to Governor Spitzer’s new policy, announced today, that will lift this requirement.

Senator Marty Golden stated, "A driver’s license is not an entitlement and is the most important document issued in the establishment of ones’ identity. The integrity of this document must be maintained to the highest standards. Attempts by Governor Spitzer to relax the requirements endangers all New Yorkers and all Americans, making it easier for terrorists and illegal immigrants to obtain identification and access to services that, without a license, would be off limits. Thousands of lives have been lost because of such a lax in the law and the Governor’s policy is frightening and immediate legislative action must be taken to stop it."

Golden highlighted the fact that the terrorists involved in the attacks of September 11, 2001 used driver’s licenses to obtain entry aboard the planes as well to rent apartments. Terrorists used driver’s licenses to rent trucks used to carry out the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center.

Peter Gadiel, President of 9/11 Families for a Secure America (911fsa.org) strongly agreed, saying: "The 9/11 Commission and every leading terrorism expert warns that giving licenses to persons unknown is a recipe for catastrophe. Governor Spitzer will demonstrate abject stupidity and breathtaking disregard for the victims of 9/11 if he hands these powerful ID's to people who sneak across our borders. Terrorists here illegally used licenses to kill my son and thousands of others in the World Trade Center; if they do it again using New York licenses, the blood of the victims will be on Governor Spitzer's hands," Mr. Gadiel concluded

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