State Senate Republican Leader Louis C. DeLuca (R-Woodbury) and Senate Republican Leader Pro Tempore John McKinney (R-Fairfield) blasted the Majority Senate Democrats for defeating a homeland security measure that would have required Connecticut drivers licenses issued to non-US citizens to expire concurrently with their legal stay in the country. The measure, which was defeated as an amendment on the floor of the Senate, has been supported by 9-11 survivors groups and is similar to legislation currently before Congress.
"Apparently the majority of Democrats in the Senate think it is more important to protect illegal immigrants from losing their drivers licenses than it is to improve our homeland security," said Senator DeLuca. "I can't imagine any public policy argument that justifies why persons residing in this country beyond the terms of their visa should be able to carry a valid Connecticut ID, but I guess logic takes a holiday when state Democrats have an opportunity to cater to special interest groups rather than doing the right thing for the people of Connecticut. This is a much needed common-sense reform that addresses real abuses in the system - it does nothing to disrupt the lives of those who are residing legally in this country. I am disappointed with today's vote, but I am hopeful that Congress will succeed where Connecticut Democrats have failed."
"The effort to close this loophole with Connecticut driver's licenses has been a top priority of the
Senate Republicans for the past several years, and I am disappointed yet again that the majority of Senate Democrats failed to join with us in the effort to strengthen our homeland security," said Senator John McKinney. "This is a matter of common sense and important to the security of the state and nation. Driver's licenses should not be handed out freely. Only those individuals who are legally in this country should be entitled to a driver's license." |
