Senate PASSES Murray's GreenLane Port Security Legislation

Senate PASSES Murray's GreenLane Port Security Legislation
Murray's five-year effort delivers new system to protect ports, secure cargo, and safeguard American lives and the U.S. economy

For Washington state, passage means security grants for Washington's ports, new regional coordination center, new radiation detection equipment and Customs personnel, and a new system to keep Washington's trade-dependent economy moving

Today the U.S. Senate passed landmark cargo security legislation authored by U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) that will dramatically improve the security of America's ports and cargo container system. Murray's bill passed by a vote of 98-0. Senator Murray has spearheaded the effort to protect America's ports since the terrorist attacks of September 11th. She spent the past week on the Senate floor managing debate on her bill.

"Today we have taken a giant step to improve the safety of ports in Washington and across the country," said Senator Murray. "By raising security standards and investing in cargo security, we will close a dangerous security gap and keep our country safe."

The bipartisan bill, which Murray introduced with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) -

* raises security standards for all cargo entering the U.S.,

* creates a GreenLane to track and monitor cargo,

* creates a system to resume trade after an incident,

* and funds port security grants.

For Washington state, the bill will provide new security grants for Washington's ports, a new regional coordination center, new radiation detection equipment at the Port of Tacoma, new Customs personnel for Seattle/Tacoma, and a new system to keep Washington's trade-dependent economy moving.

"Because our state relies so heavily on the trade that flows through our ports, we are uniquely susceptible to a devastating and economically crippling attack," said Murray. "The legislation passed today effectively pushes out our security borders, allowing us to detect tampered cargo long before it enters our ports. This bill also takes into consideration our state's unique trade needs by providing security measures that won't impede the flow of commerce."

Today's vote marks the culmination of a five-year effort by Senator Murray to implement cargo security measures at our nation's ports. Beginning after the attacks of September 11th with Senator Murray's Operation Safe Commerce program to enhance port, cargo and supply chain security, Murray had been steadfast in her dedication to port security. The legislation passed today is a result of Murray's collaboration with Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee Chair, Senator Susan Collins (D-ME). Senator Murray approached Senator Collins over a year ago to work on a bill to protect America's ports. Together, they introduced the GreenLane Maritime Security Act.

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http://murray.senate.gov/news.cfm?id=263069