CONCORD, N.H. (AP) – Gov. John Lynch says governors across the country have serious concerns about new federal driver’s licensing standards and moves in Congress to let the president activate the National Guard during emergencies.
The Guard proposal, part of a House-passed version of the National Defense Authorization Act, was prompted by Hurricane Katrina and would allow the president to federalize the Guard during emergencies without the consent of governors. The idea has been panned by governors including Louisiana Democrat Kathleen Blanco.
Lynch, a Democrat seeking re-election in November, said the governors signed a letter to Congress expressing their opposition to the idea.
“It really is unprecedented,” he said Monday from Charleston, S.C., where a three-day meeting of the National Governors Association was wrapping up.
“We feel very strongly about this and don’t want this to happen.”
As for REAL ID, which would require people to provide copies of birth certificates and other documents when seeking drivers licenses, Lynch said governors are concerned about cost, privacy and the notion of state motor vehicle employees becoming part of homeland security efforts.
“Nobody knows the cost right now as well as the issue dealing with privacy,” he said.
Lynch said the association would study both issues.
An effort to block REAL ID in New Hampshire passed the House this spring but was killed in the Senate.
The meeting focused on health care. Lynch said many of the issues discussed, including increasing the use of electronic prescription and medical records and focusing on disease prevention, already are being addressed in New Hampshire through a citizens health initiative created last year.
AP-ES-08-07-06 1501EDT
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