Hello! Wanted to share the following excerpt from a letter I received from
one of our Illinois Senators, retiring Senator Peter Fitzgerald:
"As you may know, the National Intelligence Reform Act of 2004 (S.2845) was
passed by the House on December 7, 2004 by a vote of 336-75, and by the
Senate with my support by a vote of 89-2 on December 8, 2004. The measure defines
the term "birth certificate" as a certificate of birth for an individual,
regardless of where born, who at the time of birth is a citizen or national of
the United States, and whose birth is registered in the United States. Under
S.2845, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services must
establish requirements for proof and verification of identity as a condition
for the issuance of birth certificates, and also develop additional security
measures for the issuance of a birth certificate for a person who is not the
applicant. S.2845 currently awaits the president's signature."
Now, the Secretary was Tommy G. Thompson, who recently announced his
resignation, so I presume his replacement would be where we go next, to assure
access to documents for future research. Hope everyone is enjoying a safe
holiday season!
Dana