Do we even need this? Lawmakers get real about REAL ID mandate starting today
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Introduction:
The news topic “Do we even need this? Lawmakers get real about REAL ID mandate starting today” has drawn international attention, with various media outlets providing diverse insights, historical context, political stances, and on-the-ground developments. Below is a curated overview of how different countries and media organizations have covered this topic recently.
Quick Summary:
- The United States has had 20 years to roll out REAL ID. Some Republican lawmakers expressed concern to Fox News Digital about their constituents not knowing or being able to get a REAL ID in time. “It’s important that every state does the same thing,” Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., said. “This is the United States of America, the last time I looked. We’re going to do it. Let’s all do it the same, do it in the right way, take care of business, and go from there,” said Sen. Rick Scott, R of Florida. “Colorado’s gotten a lot of things wrong, but on REAL ID, I think they did a good job,” Rep. Jeff Crank, R, of Colorado, said of his state’s rollout of the ID. “If there’s a hard deadline now, people better get on the stick,” said Rep. Diana Harshbarger, R. of Tennessee.
- Almost 200 requests for Real ID a day, a 50% increase over last year. “These are in demand,” Ryan Senden said. ‘If you don’t have to travel [soon] or have another means to travel, don
- TSA is moving to “full enforcement” of REAL ID standards starting May 7. Because it’s a federal agency, these rules will be “applied evenly across all the airports” If you need to travel on or after May 7 but still don’t have a REAL ID by then, you can instead use: A U.S. or foreign passport. A green card (permanent resident card) A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) trusted traveler card. A military ID like Global Entry or a Tribal Nation ID. There are several other documents you can provide at an airport security checkpoint instead of a REALID, including your U.s. orforeign passport. But if you don’t bring any of these other documents, “travelers can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint,” said TSA official.
Country-by-Country Breakdown:
Original Coverage
The United States has had 20 years to roll out REAL ID. Some Republican lawmakers expressed concern to Fox News Digital about their constituents not knowing or being able to get a REAL ID in time. “It’s important that every state does the same thing,” Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., said. “This is the United States of America, the last time I looked. We’re going to do it. Let’s all do it the same, do it in the right way, take care of business, and go from there,” said Sen. Rick Scott, R of Florida. “Colorado’s gotten a lot of things wrong, but on REAL ID, I think they did a good job,” Rep. Jeff Crank, R, of Colorado, said of his state’s rollout of the ID. “If there’s a hard deadline now, people better get on the stick,” said Rep. Diana Harshbarger, R. of Tennessee. Read full article
Starting today, you’ll need a Real ID to fly or face additional screening by TSA
Almost 200 requests for Real ID a day, a 50% increase over last year. “These are in demand,” Ryan Senden said. ‘If you don’t have to travel [soon] or have another means to travel, don Read full article
The May 7 REAL ID Deadline is Wednesday. Here’s What to Know If You Don’t Have One Yet
TSA is moving to “full enforcement” of REAL ID standards starting May 7. Because it’s a federal agency, these rules will be “applied evenly across all the airports” If you need to travel on or after May 7 but still don’t have a REAL ID by then, you can instead use: A U.S. or foreign passport. A green card (permanent resident card) A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) trusted traveler card. A military ID like Global Entry or a Tribal Nation ID. There are several other documents you can provide at an airport security checkpoint instead of a REALID, including your U.s. orforeign passport. But if you don’t bring any of these other documents, “travelers can expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint,” said TSA official. Read full article
Got your Real ID? Millions of Midwesterners still don’t have the new, more secure cards
After May 7, people age 18 and older who want to travel domestically by air and enter certain federal buildings will need to present a Real ID or a valid passport. The cards include anti-counterfeiting technology and additional documentary evidence and record checks to ensure a person is who they claim to be. However, the push for Real ID adoption has been controversial, with criticism from both sides of the aisle. At the start of 2025, about a quarter of credentialled Illinois residents had obtained their Real ID cards. By April, that figure had increased by only about 10%, according to the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office. A Midwest Newsroom review of data for five states shows how uneven the transition to Real ID has been. Almost all licensed Nebraska drivers and identification-card holders now carry REAL IDs. By contrast, most in Illinois don’t. Read full article
Global Perspectives Summary:
Global media portray this story through varied cultural, economic, and political filters. While some focus on geopolitical ramifications, others highlight local impacts and human stories. Some nations frame the story around diplomatic tensions and international relations, while others examine domestic implications, public sentiment, or humanitarian concerns. This diversity of coverage reflects how national perspectives, media freedom, and journalistic priorities influence what the public learns about global events.
How did your country report this? Share your view in the comments.
Sources:
- Original Article
- Starting today, you’ll need a Real ID to fly or face additional screening by TSA
- The May 7 REAL ID Deadline is Wednesday. Here’s What to Know If You Don’t Have One Yet
- Got your Real ID? Millions of Midwesterners still don’t have the new, more secure cards
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/politics/do-we-even-need-this-lawmakers-get-real-about-real-id-deadline-today