U.S. Senate signs off on Port Security bill

Staff -- Logistics Management, 9/15/2006

WASHINGTON—The United States Senate unanimously signed off on legislation, designed to improve security process for United States ports and cargo security systems.

The bill, entitled the Port Security Improvement Act of 2006, was originally introduced last December as the GreenLane Maritime Cargo Security Act by U.S. Senators Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Susan M. Collins (R-Maine). Its companion piece, the Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act was introduced in the House of Representatives in March by Dan Lungren (R-Calif.) and Jane Harman (D-Calif.).

The main objectives of the bill are to raise security standards for all United States-bound cargo, create a GreenLane to track and monitor cargo, create a system to resume trade after an incident, and fund port security grants.GreenLane is made up of a group of shippers that meet the highest standards of security, and shippers that qualify for the GreenLane would receive benefits such as expedited cargo clearance and fewer customs inspections.

Other notable objectives of the bill include:

• establishing minimum security standards for all cargo containers entering the U.S. and requirements that strengthen current cargo security programs
• requiring maritime facility security plans to include provisions for controlling access by individuals involved in the surface transportation of intermodal containers in and out of a port facility
• establishing an Office of Cargo Security Policy at the Department of Homeland Security DHS), which would coordinate
• establishing joint operations centers to ensure a coordinated response and direct the resumption of commerce in the event of a terrorist attack
• conducting a one-year pilot program to evaluate and improve the security of empty containers at U.S. seaports to ensure the safe delivery of cargo

An amendment introduced to the bill on Wednesday, September 13 by Senator Norm Coleman (R-Minn.), requiring the implementation of a pilot project to test an integrated scanning system using non-intrusive inspection and radiation and detection equipment in three foreign seaports, was approved by a 95-3 vote. The objective of this system is to scan 100 percent of all containers transiting the port, strengthening port security, by helping ensure nuclear materials are detected before they enter the country, according to a statement issued by Coleman’s office.

“The legislation passed today effectively pushes out our security borders, allowing us to detect tampered cargo long before it enters our ports,” said Murray in a statement.

The next step for this legislation is for the Senate bill to be reconciled with the House version, where both chambers must approve the final bill before it is sent to President George W. Bush for his signature.