Congress Passes Weaker Port Security Measure

Posted on October 2, 2006 by webteam

Congress passed legislation that tightens security at U.S. ports, requiring radiation monitors at the 22 largest ports by the end of next year.

The measure proposes $3.4 billion over the next five years to buy the detectors and hire more Customs and Border Protection officers.

“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 Susan Collins, a Maine Republican who heads the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

The House approved the measure 409 to 2. The Senate passed the measure on a voice vote last night, and it now goes to President George W. Bush for his signature.

The legislation requires the Bush administration to institute a program to scan all containers in three foreign ports using systems based on a pilot program in Hong Kong.

Customs inspections for importers such as Bentonville, Arkansas-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world’s largest retailer, would be eased by the legislation. In exchange, the companies would have to strengthen the security of their cargo.

The measure requires the Homeland Security Department to make a plan to ensure security throughout the shipping process and develop standards for shipping container storage.

Click here to read about Wal-Mart and RILA’s efforts to block stronger legislation.