3/22/10

Mr. Mayor,

During the recent discussions on implementing E-Verify, I made a prediction about the system that looks like it is being fulfilled sooner than even I expected. I predicted that in some small way, the demand for E-Verify to use Social Security Cards would drive forward a demand to make Social Security Cards more “secure.” We all know that the Social Security Card is widely used as a national ID card anyway. But without any biometric data or even address information tacked onto it, the current Social Security Card is easily forged.

Two US senators Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) have begun pushing for biometric data to be included with Social Security Cards.

I still support using E-Verify here as a city to ensure that only legal workers can be employed for our contracts. However, in some small, infinitesimal manner, the little City of Washougal became part of the demand for our Congress critters to start pushing for biometric data being required for Social Security Cards.  And that I oppose.

I yield the floor.