Senate committee hears call to restore DOD civilian retiree ID cards
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Summary
Senator Kaler urged the committee to back a resolution asking Congress to reissue Department of Defense civilian retiree identification cards, saying DOD stopped issuing or renewing the cards in February 2023 and that retirees now face onerous access requirements for base parks, museums and recreation areas.
Senator Kaler urged the Local Government, Public Safety and Veterans Affairs Committee to endorse a resolution asking Congress to reinstate Department of Defense civilian retiree identification cards.
Kaler told the committee that in February 2023 the Department of Defense, "pursuant to the federal Real ID Act, stopped issuing new civilian retiree cards and ended the renewal of existing cards." He said the change forces retired DOD civilian employees to request base access from installation commanders each time they visit, and to present both a Real ID and retirement paperwork, which he described as "significantly more onerous and restrictive" than prior practice.
The resolution, Senate Concurrent Resolution 7, asks Congress to resume issuance of civilian retiree ID cards and to ensure qualifying retirees receive access to military recreational areas without repeated installations‑level permission. Kaler said civilian DOD employees "form a vital and indispensable component of our national defense" and deserve continued recognition and access.
Committee members offered no questions during the sponsor's first hearing. Chairman Johnson closed the hearing with no committee action taken at this meeting; the measure remains at the hearing stage with proponents indicating they may present veteran testimony at a later date.
