Bush aides anger GOP lawmakers on consular IDs

Bush administration officials yesterday angered lawmakers by refusing to take a position on illegal aliens obtaining U.S. driver's licenses and avoiding questions about its decision to recognize Mexican identification cards.

Officials testifying before the House Select Committee on Homeland Security said they are reviewing what documentation is secure and reliable, but evaded direct questions on the matricula consular cards now accepted by California and New Mexico to obtain driver's licenses.

Critics say the cards issued by the Mexican Embassy are easily falsified and used by illegal aliens to establish residency.

Stewart Verdery, Homeland Security assistant secretary, was asked directly whether states should issue identification cards to people who are in the United States illegally.

"I am not aware that the department or administration has taken a position on that," Mr. Verdery said.

A frustrated Rep. John Shadegg, Arizona Republican, responded: "It seems to me the administration had better get a policy, pretty quick."

Republican lawmakers also questioned officials about a recent Treasury Department decision allowing the matricula cards to be accepted as legal identification by financial institutions.

Officials, including Mr. Verdery, testified on Capitol Hill earlier this year that the FBI and Homeland Security Department believed the cards are not secure and pose a threat to homeland security.

The administration's decision to accept the cards was announced just as lawmakers were leaving town in advance of Hurricane Isabel and caused an "uproar in Congress," said Rep. Christopher Shays, Connecticut Republican.

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