Washington, D.C. – Groundbreaking bipartisan cargo security legislation authored by Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Susan Collins (R-ME) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) unanimously passed the Senate today, 98-0. Titled the “Port Security Improvement Act,” the measure would implement needed security reforms at our nation’s seaports, including improved cargo screening standards and incentives to importers to enhance their security measures, and would put a framework in place to ensure the successful resumption of shipping in the event of a terrorist attack.
“The link between maritime security and our national security is obvious, and the vulnerabilities of our ports is worrisome. An attack on an American port could cause great loss of life, damage our energy supplies and infrastructure, cripple retailers and manufacturers, and hamper our ability to move and supply American military forces,” said Senator Collins. “This important legislation will help close dangerous gaps in our ability to protect our shipping lanes and seaports from attack. It establishes clear and measurable goals for better security of commercial operations from point of origin to destination, and mandates baseline security standards while providing incentives for additional voluntary measures.”
America’s 361 seaports are vital elements of our nation’s transportation network. Our seaports move more than 95 percent of overseas trade. In 2005, U.S. ports logged 53,000 calls by foreign-flagged vessels, including 16,000 container-ship calls that brought 11 million shipping containers to our shores. While this figure represents robust trade, it also signals a considerable risk to our nation’s security.
Specifically, the bill would:
· Require the Department of Homeland Security to develop a comprehensive strategic plan for all transportation modes by which cargo moves into, within, and out of U.S. ports;
· Create an Office of Cargo Security Policy to coordinate Department activities, and to be a central contact point for interagency, private-sector, and international partners in cargo security;
· Require the Department of Homeland Security to develop protocols for the resumption of trade at ports after an incident to minimize economic losses;
· Would authorize a competitive, risk-based, port-security grants program, with stable, consistent funding set at $400 million each year for the next five years;
· Improve and expand several security programs such as the Container Security Initiative, or CSI, and the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, or C-TPAT, and establish deadlines for DHS action on these programs; and
· Provide incentives for shippers and importers who meet the highest level of cargo-security standards.
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