California repealing new alien-driver law

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California lawmakers are moving quickly to overturn a law that allows illegal aliens to obtain driver's licenses.

Last Monday, the state Senate repealed the measure on a unanimous 33-0 vote after just four minutes of debate and with the blessings of the bill's original author.

The measure unanimously passed an Assembly committee Tuesday, and the full Assembly is expected to vote on the measure Monday and revoke the law just four weeks before it was scheduled to take effect.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called the special legislative session to address the law last week after he was sworn into office. The law, he said, raises security concerns.

"The governor is very pleased with the Senate's decisive vote and looks forward to the Assembly following suit," spokesman Vince Sollitto said.

An estimated 2 million illegal aliens are of driving age in California, and supporters of the measure say licensing would ensure drivers are properly trained.

Democratic Sen. Gil Cedillo, the bill's sponsor, abandoned his measure before last week's vote as a tactical retreat, rather than surrender, he told the Los Angeles Times.

"This is not easy," Mr. Cedillo said.

Opponents of the law, which was signed by former Gov. Gray Davis, said it encouraged illegal immigration and would give terrorists access to legal identification.