Congressman Robert Aderholt Statement on the President's Veto of His Norarization Bill

Press Release

Congressman Robert Aderholt (R-AL) today issued the following statement after the President vetoed his bill, the "Interstate Recognition of Notarizations (IRON) Act of 2010" (HR 3808).

"There is absolutely no connection whatsoever between the Interstate Recognition of Notarizations Act of 2010 and the recent foreclosure documentation problems. I first introduced this legislation in April of 2005, and obviously there was no concern about weakening the foreclosure documentation process at that time. This is a bill that would help people and I am disappointed that it was vetoed."

"My legislation would improve interstate commerce by requiring that documents be recognized in any state or federal court. It would help court reporters, attorneys, business owners, and consumers in general."

"The bill expressly requires lawful notarizations, and in no way validates improper notarizations. Enforcement of legal notarizations is a state responsibility and I fully support each state attorney general vigorously prosecuting all notarization fraud."

"I believe the fears about this bill have resulted from misunderstanding, and I am eager to get another version of this bill completed and passed in November, with the support of the White House, the Senate, and the House. This bill has strong bipartisan support and I hope that the White House will work with Congress to educate the public and answer any concerns so that this legislation can become law."

The bill was introduced by Congressman Aderholt on Wednesday, October 14, 2009, it passed the House on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 and the Senate on Monday, September 27, 2010. Congressman Aderholt had previously introduced the legislation during the 110th and 109th Congress. The bill passed the House of Representatives during those Congressional sessions but was not taken up by the Senate.

This legislation would have required that documents be recognized in any state or federal court if the subject affects interstate commerce and the document is duly notarized by seal or if a seal is tagged to an electronic document.

Currently, each state is responsible for regulating its notaries. Typically, someone who wishes to become a notary pays a fee, submits an application and takes an oath of office. Some states require applicants to enroll in an educational course, pass an exam, and obtain a notary bond. This legislation does not change how the individual states regulate notaries in any manner.

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