Reed Again Voices Criticism of Green Light Legislation Recently Passed in Albany

Rep. Tom Reed (R-Corning)

WASHINGTON – Congressman Tom Reed (R-Corning, NY 23) is joining the ranks of other Republican officials from across the state in criticizing the newly approved Green Light legislation, which gives undocumented immigrants the ability to get a driver’s license in New York State.

Reed represents Chautauqua County in Washington. Despite all that is happening in the nation’s capitol – including his meeting with a trade ambassador on Wednesday – the Corning Republican chose to once again open his weekly media conference call by setting his sights on the so-called extreme liberal agenda of state lawmakers in Albany.

“If you recall a few months back I stated our opposition to the granting of drivers licenses to illegal immigrants. To see the extreme liberal agenda of Albany follow on their threats to give licenses to illegal immigrants is, to me, dangerous and representative of that extreme agenda that puts people at risk coming out of Albany,” Reed said.

Reed added his biggest concerns regarding the Green Light bill is similar to the concerns raised by others prior to its passage.

“First and foremost, this is not fair for the men and women who immigrated here legally or hardworking New York taxpayers,”Reed said. “This bill is also dangerous. How are DMV employees supposed to verify if a foreign document is valid? What if these people have committed serious driving infractions, such as drunk driving, in foreign country? How are we supposed to run a background check on this?”

Proponents of the bill have said the Green Light legislation will make the roads safer because undocumented immigrants that drive illegally will be more willing to learn the rules of the road in order to get a drivers license.

The bill was approved by the state Senate and signed by the governor on Monday. New York is now the 13th state in the country that allows for undocumented immigrants to obtain a drivers license.

Meanwhile, following his opening statement about state issues, Reed did field numerous questions focusing on Congress and Washington, including reaction to the impeachment inquiry by Rep. Brian Higgins (D-South Buffalo) and the departure of Patrick Shanahan as acting defense secretary.