Casten, Bush Introduce IDs for an Inclusive Democracy Act to Create a No-Cost and Optional Federal Photo ID for Americans
Washington, DC (Tuesday, July 25th) – Today, U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06) and Cori Bush (MO-01) introduced the IDs for an Inclusive Democracy Act, legislation that would create a federal photo identification card that is free and optional for the American public.
“12% of Americans lack a drivers license and 11% Americans lack any form of government issued ID,” said Congressman Casten. “That’s 26 million people who cannot access the basic necessities to take care of themselves in our society, like getting a job, opening a bank account, or visiting urgent care. The IDs for an Inclusive Democracy Act creates no-cost federal photo IDs accessible to any American over the age of 14, and gives folks that important first step to provide for themselves.”
“Millions of people in this country are unable to access basic needs like housing, employment and health care because they can’t afford a government-issued ID. And dozens of states—like my home state of Missouri—are disenfranchising people with voter ID laws that threaten our democracy. This is policy violence and it disproportionately affects Black, brown, formerly incarcerated, and unhoused people,” said Congresswoman Bush. “That’s why I’m proud to reintroduce the IDs for an Inclusive Democracy Act with Rep. Casten. This legislation would protect our most vulnerable communities by providing federal photo IDs at no cost, guaranteeing that people can participate in our democracy and access the services they need regardless of income.”
“We are thrilled and proud to work with Rep. Casten on the groundbreaking IDs for an Inclusive Democracy Act. This bill will provide access to jobs, housing, health care, and the opportunity to truly thrive to over 26 million Americans by giving them the ID that they need to unlock the door to opportunity,” said Kat Calvin, CEO of Project ID Action Fund.
The 11% of American adults who do not have an ID are unable to:
- Obtain employment
- Sign a lease or purchase a home
- Open a bank account
- Access VA benefits
- Access services from federal programs like WIC and SNAP
- Access services from federally-funded shelters and food banks
- Access drug rehabilitation programs and resources Visit an urgent care clinic or access preventative health care if they are sick
- Access services at public libraries
- Vote in 35 states
Additionally, Americans without ID are MORE likely to:
- Become or remain unhoused
- Cycle between homelessness and incarceration
- Be poor, black or brown, seniors, or very young
- Become a financial burden on taxpayers due to reliance on public services, incarceration, emergency room visits due to a lack of access to preventative care, etc.
- Be unable to receive basic health care
Why do we need a no-cost Federal ID when state-regulated DMVs exist?
COST: DMV IDs cost up to $50 and the supporting documents necessary to obtain them can cost as much as $90.22 states do not offer any fee waivers or assistance with those costs. Most provide only partial cost assistance, and only to certain groups.
ACCESSIBILITY: Most people, even those in rural communities, have a local Post Office. There are 31,247 post offices nationwide. Many do not have convenient access to a DMV, however. The difference in access is easy to see at the state level. Whereas there are 180 DMVs in California, there are 1,800 post offices. Illinois has 130 DMVs but 1315 post offices. West Virginia has only 24 DMVs but 655 post offices. Post Offices already process passports so it would not be an undue burden to add a new type of ID.
PROCESS: The process of obtaining an ID is inconsistent across states, and new IDs in each state require extensive documentation. This ID would be usable in all 50 states, with no need to reapply when moving.
The IDs for an Inclusive Democracy Act creates a task force of appropriate stakeholders that will create this federal photo identification card through the Social Security Administration and create full processing systems through our U.S. Postal System, similar to the passport process.
The IDs for Inclusive Democracy Act is co-sponsored by Representatives Earl Blumenauer, Judy Chu, Emanuel Cleaver, Henry “Hank” Johnson, Dean Phillips, Mary Gay Scanlon, Adam Schiff, Shri Thanedar and Rashida Tlaib.
The bill has been endorsed by the following organizations: Common Defense, EveryLibrary, the Homeless ID Project, iFoster, Minority Veterans of America, the Movement Advancement Project, the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council, the National Conversation about IDs, Orleans Public Defenders, and Project ID Action Fund. The text of the bill can be found here.
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