In December of last year, Congress voted on the National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004 (S. 2845). I was among a small group of Members who voted against the passage of S. 2845 because I believed the bill severely lacked adequate border security measures. The National Intelligence Reform Act was all bark and no bite.

Today, Congress has sought to rectify this mistake, but including language in the defense supplemental conference report that mirrors the REAL ID Act (H.R. 418) aimed at preventing another 9/11-type attack by disrupting terrorist travel and bolstering our border security. The REAL ID contains vital border security provisions and is strongly supported by the Bush Administration.

Texas, more than any other state, understands the importance of border security. With a long and active border, it is comforting to know that new, higher standards are being placed on knowing who, exactly, we are admitting into the country. Now, when you board a plane in Fort Worth or Austin or Houston, you will know that your fellow passengers have gone through a standardized, verified screening process.

Make no mistake, this is not a national ID card, but it does compel states to improve the data security of information that states already hold about their citizens and requires the states to improve the physical security of the buildings where data is stored. I am proud to state that Texas has already begun integrating these procedures.

I know that there are arguments on both sides of this issue, but I believe these new policies will provide better security while maintaining freedom. We have the right to freedom from harm of those who would illegally enter and maneuver in our country, and I believe the language in this conference report has successfully found a balance.