"If Congress is truly committed to transforming Real ID into a reasonable and workable law that actually increases the security of our citizens, it must commit the federal funds necessary to implement this federal mandate.
"As the Senate considers the Homeland Security Appropriations bill for fiscal year 2008, the nation's governors urge senators to support Sen. Lamar Alexander's efforts to begin funding the mandates imposed by Real ID.
"States estimate the cost of Real ID will exceed $11 billion over five years, including $1 billion in up-front costs merely to create systems and processes necessary to implement the law and prepare to re-enroll all 245 million driver's license and identification card holders. To date Congress has appropriated only $40 million to assist states."
