In today’s New York Post:
In a move that could put Sen. Hillary Clinton on the spot, Rep. Pete King will soon introduce a bill in Congress that would block New York and other states from providing driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants.
“I believe strongly that the federal government has the right to do it because illegal immigration and homeland security are federal issues,” King (R-L.I.) told The Post.
…
King, the ranking GOP member of the House Homeland Security Committee, expects to introduce legislation next week with Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) that would prohibit any state from giving licenses to illegal immigrants.King said he decided on the legislation after hearing Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff say that although he opposes giving illegal immigrants driver’s licenses, there is nothing the federal government can do to stop a state from doing so.
Prospects for passage of the measure in the Democratic-controlled Congress would be slim, but it could serve to put some lawmakers – such as Clinton – on the hot seat by forcing her to take a position on it.
King said he expects Republicans, including former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, to begin publicly pressuring Democrats to support the measure and allow it to come to the floor for a vote.
“This is one time when good government and good politics come together,” King said.
King said he spoke about the bill with Giuliani, the GOP presidential front-runner, who yesterday called for federal action.
Giuliani told reporters in Washington that allowing illegal aliens to have driver’s licenses would prove “hopelessly confusing” to federal immigration officials and employers responsible for lawfully employing people.
Related editorial: Hilliary’s license to lose?