UPDATE to “CreditGate”: DSCC Head Schumer Introduced Major ID Theft Bill in April

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New York Senator Charles Schumer is in charge of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, two of whose members are accused of illegally obtaining the credit report of Maryland’s Lt. Governor.

How ironic, considering this legislative press release from April 12, 2005: “Schumer Introduces Comprehensive ID Theft Bill Today…” (first few paragraphs):

Recent Examples of Egregious Loopholes That Are Compromising Personal Information Need Immediate and Thorough Action by Congress

Schumer-Nelson Bill Would Empower FTC, Inform Consumer to Prevent ID Theft in Future, Not Just Punish Wrongdoers after the Fact

On the heels of numerous and significant identity theft breaches, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer (D-NY) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) are introducing major and comprehensive legislation today to prevent ID theft, to give broader authority to the Federal Trade Commission, and require more disclosure. The Schumer-Nelson ID Theft Prevention bill is the first and most comprehensive effort to really prevent ID theft, not just punish those who commit ID theft. Sen. Schumer is a member of almost all the committees that would have jurisdiction over this bill including the Finance, Judiciary, and Banking Committees, and Sen. Nelson is a member of the Commerce Committee, which also has jurisdiction.

Schumer said, “What bank robbery was to the Depression Age, identity theft is to the Information Age. Identity theft has become so pervasive and so out-of-hand, that we must make a real effort to prevent it before it happens. When a company like Lexis-Nexis so badly underestimates its own ID theft breaches, it is clear that things are totally out of hand.”

Snarky comment unnecessary.
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UPDATE: Opinipundit notes that one of the two staffers is “a seasoned political operative also having worked for the failed presidential campaign of John Edwards.”

UPDATE 2: Michelle Malkin notes a Washington Post “they all do it” editorial, the launch of a Republican probe, the fact that the targeted politician (MD Lt. Gov. Steele) is not ruling out legal action, and (as if it needs mentioning) the New York Times silence, even though DSCC head Chuck Schumer is a New York Senator.