Using Technology to Facilitate Trade and Enhance Security at Our Ports of Entry

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) will chair a field hearing of the Homeland Security Border and Maritime Security Subcommittee to examine the degree to which Mexican drug cartels and illegal narcotics trafficking are interrupting the free flow of legal commerce at U.S. ports of entry (POE).  The hearing will also assess the need for technology that would more efficiently pinpoint drugs and dangerous materials and speed the flow of port traffic.  Following the hearing committee members will observe CBP operations along the Rio Grande.

The hearing will focus on:

• How Mexico’s drug war is detrimental to the free flow of commerce
• 90% of illegal drugs enter through just 20 ports of entry
• CBP is short on budgeted positions at POE’s because of turnover and attrition.
• DHS’s need for a comprehensive technology innovation plan to compliment agents

 

TODAY, May 1, 2012

 

2:00PM CT     HEARING:    Using Technology to Facilitate Trade and Enhance Security at Our Ports of Entry

LOCATION:  Laredo Community College

                        West End Washington Street

                        Laredo, TX

Live Web Stream on Committee Website

           

4:00PM CT     EVENT:          Committee Members Observe CBP Maritime Operations

LOCATION:  Los Dos Laredos Park

                        Laredo, TX

DETAILS:      Press access to staging area under Bridge One for video of delegation boarding CBP watercraft; no press access to boat.   

NOTICE:        Events open to officially credentialed news media only.

           

CONFIRMED MEMBERS:

Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX)

Chairman, Oversight & Investigations Subcommittee

House Committee on Homeland Security

 

Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX)

Ranking Member, Border & Maritime Security Subcommittee

House Committee on Homeland Security

 

WITNESSES: 

Panel I

• Mr. Gene Garza, Director of Field Operations, Laredo Field Office, Customs and Border Protection
• Mr. Steven McCraw, Director, Texas Department of Public Safety

Panel II

• Mr. Jesse Hereford,Vice Chairman, Border Trade Alliance
• Mr. Wilfredo Martinez, Chairman, Laredo Chamber of Commerce
• Mr. Jose D. Gonzalez,Jose David Gonzalez Customs Brokerage

 

Chairman McCaul on the Hearing:

“Our nation's economy depends on the efficient flow of commerce across our borders. However, the security at our ports of entry remains a target of drug cartels and others seeking to smuggle drugs, weapons, and cash in and out of the United States. Technology can be a force multiplier for our brave men and women protecting the border. Yet questions remain regarding whether DHS has developed a sound strategic approach to acquiring technologies to enhance the security at ports of entry in years to come. Our hearing in Laredo seeks to understand local concerns on these issues and how Congress can help.”

Note:Congressman McCaul, who will chair this hearing, is Chairman of the Homeland Security Oversight, Investigations and Management Subcommittee.

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