REAL ID

House Republicans struggle to advance 'Reconciliation 3.0' as fiscal hawks demand full annual funding for any budget resolution. Key figures like Rep. Chip Roy and Rep. Erin Houchin oppose measures without year-by-year cost coverage, jeopardizing deadlines for a July 4 budget resolution and August recess reconciliation bill passage. Speaker Mike Johnson remains optimistic about including a REAL ID grant program in the package.

House Republicans are blocking the TSA's new $45 ConfirmID fee for travelers without REAL ID or accepted identification through their fiscal 2027 Homeland Security spending bill. The bill prohibits the fee, citing lack of statutory authority and higher costs compared to the previous free system, while also proposing funding cuts and increased use of private security partnerships.

New Jersey's Motor Vehicle Commission has improved REAL ID appointment availability, reducing average wait times from 75 to 40 days. Appointments are now offered at previously vehicle-only offices, and applicants can upload residency documents via mobile devices. North Jersey faces longer waits, but applicants can opt for Central or South Jersey locations with available slots.

Rep. Julie Fedorchak will introduce the 'SAVE America Through REAL ID Act,' aiming to use budget reconciliation to incentivize states to require REAL IDs for voting. The bill allocates $50 million annually from 2027 to 2031 for grants to help states assist lower-income individuals in obtaining REAL IDs, bypassing Senate parliamentarian hurdles faced by the original SAVE America Act.