-- GreenLane --------
The Challenge
Greenlane
Maritime Cargo Security Act/
Port Security Act HR 4954
(Murray-Collins Bill - S.2008)
(Collins - Murray Bill - S.2459)
Glossary of Terms
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News Release
Floor Remarks -
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Cargo Containers Are Critical to Our Economy
Our nation’s economy relies on an open and efficient trading
system built around cargo containers. This container trading system
helps the American people lower the costs of trade and create jobs.
But the system was built for efficiency, not security. It was designed
for a world before September 11th.
Our Container System Leaves America Vulnerable to a Terrorist
Attack
The millions of foreign containers that enter our nation's seaports
pose a significant vulnerability to America's security. Terrorist organizations
could use containers to smuggle weapons or terrorists into the United
States. Or terrorists could turn a container into a weapon by detonating
a conventional, chemical, biological or nuclear weapon within a container
once it arrives on American shores. An attack launched on, or through,
America's seaports could result in significant loss of life and the
crippling of our economy.
America Needs a Comprehensive Plan to Improve Security and
Maintain Efficiency
Our current security efforts are insufficient. To protect our nation
we must develop a cargo security system that closes vulnerabilities,
provides a way to resume trade after an incident, and maintains the
efficient flow of commerce. Senators Murray and Collins have written
comprehensive legislation that builds on the lessons from the 9/11 Commission,
GAO investigations, and other reports. Senators Coleman and Lieberman
are original co-sponsors of this legislation.
The GreenLane Maritime Cargo Security Act Will:
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Protect Americans by making our cargo and seaports more secure
- mitigating a dangerous vulnerability.
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Prevent a lengthy shutdown of America's seaports in the event of
an incident – protecting America's economy from severe disruption.
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Provide layered security at every step of the supply chain while
keeping it efficient.
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Push the borders out and reduce the haystack so we can focus our
limited resources on suspect cargo.
The GreenLane Maritime Cargo Security Act Improves Security
by Establishing:
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The GreenLane, comprised
of supply chain participants 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.
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Minimum security standards for
all cargo containers entering the U.S. and requirements that strengthen
current cargo security programs.
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The Office of Cargo Security Policy
to ensure accountability and coordination of cargo security policies,
procedures & regulations at the Department of Homeland Security
and with other agencies.
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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.
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The Act also Authorizes
Port Security Grants, the Container Security Initiative and C-TPAT.
This bipartisan proposal is built around common-sense ideas that involve
everyone in the supply chain: importers, freight forwarders, shippers,
terminal operators and those on the front lines like longshoremen, truck
drivers, and port employees. The GreenLane Act covers supply chain activities
from the factory floor overseas to our nation’s shore.
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