Security and Accountability for Every Port Act
SECURITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR EVERY PORT ACT -- (House of Representatives - May 04, 2006)
Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Chairman, we cannot overestimate the importance and vulnerability of the maritime domain. Maritime security involves hundreds of ports, thousands of miles of coastlines, tens of thousands of commercial and private craft, and millions of shipping containers. In addition, many major population centers and critical infrastructure are in close proximity to U.S. ports or accessible by waterways.
In the 20th District of Florida that I represent, our ports, including Port Everglade in Ft. Lauderdale and the Port of Miami, serve as an entryway to millions of tons of cargo and people each year. It is clear that our country still needs an adequate overarching approach to the challenges of maritime security.
That is why I am standing today in support of the Rup pers ber ger amendment. Security command centers are vital to the protection of our ports and to the safety of all Americans. This amendment would help make these centers more efficient, better organized, and promote better coordination among the various entities responsible for security.
This amendment just makes sense. Why wouldn't the Secretary of Homeland Security seek input and advice from those most intimately familiar with the specific mission and needs of a seaport? We must have a broad and comprehensive maritime security strategy, and this amendment is one step to help us get closer to that goal.
I urge my colleagues to support the Rup pers ber ger amendment on security command centers. I am pleased that the chairman of the committee is in favor of it as well.
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