To the Editor:
After reading Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen's letter to the editor [in the March 23 issue of the Pine Journal], it seems clear to me, Republicans are focused on passing the buck on REAL ID, not the bill. Truth is, I voted to pass a clean REAL ID bill. I voted for a clean REAL ID bill that would have fixed the problems with the rule-making provisions. But Republicans opposed this.
Republicans hold the majority in the Senate. It is their responsibility to clean up this bill or put up one that can pass the Senate. Rather than giving Minnesotans IDs that would allow them to fly and visit loved ones on military bases without major inconvenience or cost, Republicans are working to place blame. People are sick of this kind of tired partisanship, bickering, and finger-pointing - and I am too.
It's time Senate Republicans realize they are in charge; it's time they show some real leadership. The rulemaking provisions in the REAL ID bill concern me, so I opposed the bill. I was joined in my opposition to the REAL ID bill by five Republican colleagues. Ahead of the vote, no Republican bothered to ask me for my vote or ask how they needed to change the bill to get my vote.
Enough with the games; Republicans need to pass a bill that doesn't connect immigration to the must-pass REAL ID bill. Perhaps instead of spending time blaming me for Republicans' unwillingness to pass a clean bill, Sen. Ingebrigtsen should spend his time convincing his colleagues to vote for the bill. Time for Republicans to grow up, clean up the bill, and pass it already. Minnesota is waiting.
Sen. Tony Lourey (DFL-Kerrick)
