WASHINGTON, DC-- The U.S. Senate last night approved the Conference Report, or final version, of Port Security legislation coauthored by Senator Collins, Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The bill includes major provisions to significantly strengthen security at our nation's ports by establishing improved cargo screening standards, providing incentives to importers to enhance their security measures, and implementing a framework to ensure the successful resumption of shipping in the event of a
terrorist attack.
The Conference Report that was approved tonight is modeled after port
security legislation authored by Senators Susan Collins and Patty Murray (D-
WA).
"Passage of this port security bill is a major leap ahead in our efforts to strengthen our national security. America's 361 ports are vital elements in our nation's transportation network. 11 million shipping containers enter American ports each year and have the potential to be the Trojan Horse of the 21st Century. They present serious security vulnerabilities, as we have seen in several recent incidents. This legislation will provide the structure and
the resources needed to better protect the American people from attack through seaports that are both vulnerable ports of entry and vital centers of economic activity," said Senator Collins.
Specifically, the bill would:
* Protect Americans by making our cargo and seaports more secure - mitigating a dangerous vulnerability.
* Help prevent a lengthy shutdown of America's seaports in the event of an incident - protecting America's economy from severe disruption.
* Provide layered security at every step of the supply chain that focuses on risk to ensure that we efficiently target our limited resources on suspect cargo. -
* Push the borders out so that weapons of mass destruction that could arrive in cargo containers do not reach our shores.
The bill improves security at America's ports by establishing:
* The GreenLane, comprised of shippers who voluntarily meet the highest level of security, allows our security services to better identify and respond to potential threats and provides real incentives to importers to enhance
their supply chain security measures.
* 100 Percent Scanning Pilot Program at three foreign ports to test the practicality and effectiveness of systems designed to scan 100 percent of cargo. The scanning systems must couple non-intrusive imaging and radiation
detection equipment.
* Minimum security standards for all cargo containers entering the U.S. and requirements that strengthen current cargo security programs.
* Joint Operations Centers to ensure a coordinated, measured response and the resumption and flow of commerce in the event of an incident or heightened national security threat level.
* The Act also authorizes $400 million for port security grants for the next five years.
Contact: Jen Burita (202) 224-9229