WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Louise M. Slaughter (D-NY-28), a vocal opponent of President Bush’s plan to require Canadian and U.S. travelers to show a passport for entry into the U.S., says the idea of creating an enhanced driver’s licence as an alternative to a passport isn’t dead yet.

Slaughter announced that Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has agreed to meet her in the next 30 days to discuss the possibility of such a plan.

Last week, the Canadian Trucking Alliance announced it received confirmation from U.S. Homeland Security that truck drivers who are FAST-approved can use their FAST card in lieu of a passport.

The rule for land crossings will kick in sometime in the summer of 2008.

Meanwhile, Secretary Chertoff also informed Slaughter that he will be sending additional customs and border officials to the Peace Bridge in Buffalo, N.Y. in an attempt to reduce congestion and facilitate traffic flow.

“I believe Secretary Chertoff’s decisions represent a new way forward with respect to smart northern border policies,” Slaughter said.