WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Commerce Committee Co-Chairmen Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) today brought comprehensive port security legislation to the floor of the Senate along with members of the Senate Homeland Security Committee and the Senate Finance Committee.

 

The Port Security Improvement Act of 2006 would strengthen maritime transportation and port security, improve security strategy and enhance communications between the Department of Homeland Security and key stakeholders.  The bill would address needed improvements in the maritime sector, such as identifying a lead agency in the case of a maritime transportation incident or disruption as well as developing a plan to resume trade in the case of such an event.  This bill would expedite the nationwide launch of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), and would require security checks for those working in or around U.S. ports.  The measure would also establish an interagency operational center for port security to facilitate coordination and communication between federal, state and local officials. 

 

The bill would also serve to enhance the security of cargo transiting through the international supply chain.  The bill would require a plan to examine containers entering the U.S. for radiation and Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD).  Additionally, the legislation would improve cargo security by instituting an increased number of random searches using the Automated Targeting System (ATS) and Container Security Initiative (CSI) programs to track international cargo that may be a threat to America.  The bill would authorize the establishment of a voluntary program, Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) which would strengthen the international supply chain and border security, facilitate the movement of secure cargo and provide benefits to eligible participants.  Finally, the bill would establish several new offices within the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate cargo policy and to assure that appropriate emphasis is placed on security and trade aspects inherent in the maritime transportation sector.