mr. chairman , i rise today in strong support of h.r. 418 , the real id act of 2005 . 
this bill includes provisions that are essential to preventing terrorists and other criminals from obtaining fraudulent identification and provides security at our borders . 
last year , congress passed legislation based on the recommendations of the 9/11 commission but failed to address vital national security and homeland security issues . 
this legislation addresses theses issues and further secures our nation in a post 9/11 world . 
h.r. 418 requires states to implement new minimum regulations for state drivers ' license and identification document security standards that must be met within 3 years . 
it also establishes a process to enable states to use an existing department of transportation communication system to confirm that drivers ' licenses presented are genuine and validly issued to the person who is carrying them . 
the 19 terrorists who attacked america on 9/11 had obtained over 63 valid forms of identification between them to breach our homeland security . 
improving document security is necessary to counter threats from foreign terrorism . 
this legislation also takes important steps regarding asylum reform . 
it prevents terrorists and scam artists from abusing our asylum system and gives immigration judges the tools they need to undercut asylum fraud before it happens . 
most importantly , h.r. 418 is critical to the continued construction of the southwest border fence in san diego . 
despite efforts by the federal government and the border patrol , california 's coastal commission has objected to and stopped the final phase of fence construction . 
completion of the fence will reduce the number of illegal crossings , and will allow the border patrol to re-deploy manpower and resources to other problem areas in san diego . 
completion of the 3-mile gap in the fence , known as `` smugglers gulch , '' would be a strong step toward securing our border . 
mr. chairman , i made a promise to my constituents to continue to fight for security enhancements to curb illegal immigration and secure our borders . 
this legislation is essential to national security and i urge my colleagues to vote in support of h.r. 418 . 
