Senate Passes Koehler Resolution Asking Congress to Restore Civilian Defense ID's

COLUMBUS— The Ohio Senate passed Senate Concurrent Resolution 7 sponsored by  State Senator Kyle Koehler (R-Springfield), urging Congress to reissue Department of Defense Civilian Retiree Identification Cards.
 
“DoD civilian retirees are public servants who have been made to feel like second class citizens after dedicating their lives and careers to our U.S. military,” said Senator Koehler. “The new requirements set in the federal Real ID Act are significantly more onerous and restrictive than the use of physical ID Cards. This resolution simply urges Congress to once again issue ID cards to our DoD civilian retirees so they can enjoy the full recognition and benefits for their service to our country, including easy access to military recreational areas.”

In February 2023, the United States Department of Defense, pursuant to the federal REAL ID Act, stopped issuing new Civilian Retiree Identification Cards and no longer renews existing cards, prohibiting retired personnel to easily access military recreational areas and historic sites. SCR 7 urges Congress to issue Civilian Retiree Identification Cards to qualifying Department of Defense retirees, and to ensure the cards are accepted for access to military bases without the need for further documentation.

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