Jewish members of the House of Representatives divided 25-1 on Thursday, Feb. 10, against a measure to require proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent residency for anyone applying for a driver's license anywhere in the country. Nevertheless, the legislation by House Judiciary Committee Chairman. F. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) was adopted on a 261-161 vote.

The lone Jewish Congressman voting for the measure was Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Vir.)  The 25 Jewish members in opposition all were Democrats, except Independent Bernie Sanders of Vermont.  Dubbed the "Real ID bill," the measure requires drivers licenses issued by the states to include a digital photo, anti-counterfeiting technology and be readable by machine. Supporters said that verifiable identification was necessary to combat terrorists, whereas opponents contended the measure potentially was the first step on a path leading toward requiring U.S. citizens to carry an internal passport.

Supported by President George W. Bush, the proposed legislation now goes to the U.S. Senate for consideration.

The 24 Jewish Democrats who voted against the measure, by state, were:

CALIFORNIA—Howard Berman, Susan Davis, Bob Filner, Jane Harman, Tom Lantos,  Adam Schiff, Brad Sherman, Henry Waxman
FLORIDA—Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Robert Wexler
ILLINOIS—Rahm Emanuel, Jan Schakowsky
MARYLAND—Ben Cardin
MASSACHUSETTS—Barney Frank
MICHIGAN—Sander Levin
NEVADA—Shelley Berkley
NEW JERSEY—Steve Rothman
NEW YORK—Gary Ackerman, Eliot Engel, Steve Israel, Nita Lowey, Jerrold Nadler, Anthony Weiner
PENNSYLVANIA—Allyson Schwartz

—Donald H. Harrison