North Kentucky News

Thomas Massie, currently serving Kentucky's 4th district in the U.S. Congress, has shared his thoughts on the REAL ID Act through several statements on social media platform X.

On April 13, 2025, Massie addressed the public reaction surrounding the REAL ID Act, stating, "Real ID Announcement Receives Wave of Pushback on X. In 2005, President George W. Bush signed the REAL ID Act into law. It was authored by Rep. James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis. — the same author of the Patriot Act." This historical context he provides links the act to its author and analogous legislation.

On April 14, 2025, Massie expressed skepticism about claims regarding the REAL ID Act's impact on election integrity. He wrote, "If you think Real ID is about election integrity, you’re going to be sorely disappointed. Someone has lied to you or you’re engaged in wishful thinking. Please don’t shoot the messenger." This post reflects Massie's candid viewpoint challenging the notion that the act is related to electoral processes.

Later that day, Massie further elaborated on the nature of the REAL ID by emphasizing the distinction between a database and its purpose. He mentioned, "Real ID isn’t a database. It’s proof that your physical person matches an entry in the digital database. Its power & purpose will be realized when everyone complies, but not before." In this statement, Massie addressed concerns of individuals who question the importance of compliance regarding the REAL ID regulations, by also responding to their notion of minimizing the perceived data impact.

Thomas Massie, who was born in Huntington, West Virginia, in 1971 has been a member of Congress since 2012, succeeding Geoff Davis. He is a Massachusetts Institute of Technology graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree and resides in Garrison.