Republicans About-Face on Port Security, Support 100 Percent Cargo Screening After They Opposed It
REPUBLICANS ABOUT-FACE ON PORT SECURITY, SUPPORT 100 PERCENT CARGO SCREENING AFTER THEY OPPOSED IT
WASHINGTON, DCHouse Democratic Caucus Chairman James E. Clyburn today commented on House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Republicans adopting a major plank of the Democratic Party's Real Security Agenda, scanning 100 percent of cargo entering American ports. The tenant of the Democrat's security plan was accepted as an amendment to the Maritime Terminal Security Enhancement Act of 2006, HR 4880. The amendment was offered by Ranking Democrat on the Committee, Jim Oberstar (D-Minn.) and Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-NY). An identical amendment was defeated by Republicans in a House Homeland Security Subcommittee last week. Following is Clyburn's statement:
"This is an about-face for Republicans, but it's about time. Last week in the Homeland Security Committee, Republicans were against port security; and today, one week after Democrats unveiled our Real Security Agenda, they're for it. Port security has been ignored since 9/11 by this President and his rubber-stamp Congress. They have talked about making America safe, but have done very little to keep that promise to the American people. One hundred percent scanning of cargo is critical to this nation's security and a hallmark of our Real Security agenda. Since 9/11, Democrats have promoted measures to protect our ports and we will continue to lead the way in making America safe. I hope the President and the House Republican Leadership will look seriously at other planks of the Democrat's Real Security Agenda, and finally get serious about protecting our homeland."
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