U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today introduced a bipartisan bill that directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to delay enforcement of REAL ID for at least one year in response to the coronavirus outbreak. Daines has been proactively working with the Trump administration on a delay of REAL ID for Montana.
“Montanans need to put their health and safety priorities first. Delaying the REAL ID requirements for one year will remove any additional burdens on Montanans while we work to overcome the coronavirus outbreak,” Daines said.
Currently, over 90% of Montana ID’s issued are not yet compliant according to the Montana Department of Justice.
Earlier this month, Daines urged President Trump asking the administration to delay requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005 for Montanans.
Daines is working to include this bill in Congress’ response to the coronavirus outbreak.
Background:
Daines has been leading the efforts in Congress to respond to the coronavirus outbreak impacting the country.
Three weeks ago, Daines brought his proposal and ideas to President Trump at a meeting in the White House.
On March 17th, 2020, Daines unveiled three more major proposals that will help protect Montana’s workers, families, first responders and small businesses during the coronavirus outbreak.
On March 16th, 2020, Daines announced that the Senate passed his bipartisan bill that protects veterans and their dependents from losing GI Bill education benefits during the Coronavirus outbreak while they take part in online classes.
On March 16th, 2020, Daines announced $4.5 million awarded to Montana to help support the coronavirus response and protect public health.
On March 16th, 2020, Daines urged President Trump to ensure Montana tribal communities have access to federal assistance during coronavirus outbreak.
On March 14th, 2020, Daines urged Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Azar and the Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Gaynor to ensure Indian Health Service (IHS) has the resources needed to provide coronavirus testing for tribal communities.
On March 13th, 2020, Daines issued a statement yesterday on President Trump declaring a national emergency for coronavirus.
On March 12th, 2020, Daines introduced bipartisan legislation to provide disaster unemployment assistance to people who are unable to work due to the current coronavirus outbreak. Assistance would be available to individuals, including self-employed individuals and independent contractors, who are sick, quarantined, furloughed, or whose family circumstances keep them from working or reduce their pay as a result of the coronavirus outbreak or government containment efforts.
On March 9th, 2020, Daines unveiled a slate of proposals and priorities he’s working to advance that will help protect Montana families and their finances during the Coronavirus outbreak including paid leave, temporarily waiving payroll taxes, providing relief from tariffs, and ensuring access to affordable testing.
On March 9th, 2020, Daines sent a letter urging the Trump administration to take swift action to make testing for the Coronavirus affordable.
The following day the IRS immediately announced it would adopt Daines’ proposal to remove financial barriers to testing and treatment for the Coronavirus by allowing high deductible health plans to cover Coronavirus-related testing and treatment before a patient has met their deductible.
Congress passed the Coronavirus emergency supplemental earlier this month which included $8.3 billion to combat this crisis, including nearly $1 billion for state and local preparedness and response.
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