Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Pilot Program Act of 2023

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are here today to consider S. 794, the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Pilot Program Act of 2023. This important legislation will further strengthen the security of cargo shipments arriving in the United States.

As we work to build a resilient supply chain and prevent dangerous threats from reaching our communities, it is critical that customs officers work closely with importers, shippers, carriers, and others to ensure both fast and secure travel. The CTPAT program encourages this.

In response to faster processing at our ports of entry, members of the trade community participating in this program adopt tighter security measures throughout their global supply chain. Today, more than 11,400 companies currently participate in the CTPAT program, accounting for about 52 percent of cargo imports into the United States.

Despite the success of the program, certain third-party logistics providers are excluded from even applying for membership. Further expanding access to CTPAT will help U.S. businesses and improve supply chain security to prevent terrorists and terrorist threats from reaching our communities.

Specifically, this bill establishes a 5-year pilot program to allow certain third-party logistics providers to join this very important program. We hope to see how the participation of third-party logistics providers helps CBP enhance port security and mitigate supply chain breaches.

I thank Senator Cornyn for leading this legislation in the Senate and my colleague, Representative Elissa Slotkin, for leading this legislation in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, this bill would help American businesses thrive and also enhance the safety of our communities. By expanding access to CTPAT, more of our trusted trading partners can expedite cargo into our local communities and our country.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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