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Senate Passes Senator Collins' Port Security Legislation

Date: Sept. 15, 2006
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: National Security Trade


SENATE PASSES SENATOR COLLINS' PORT SECURITY LEGISLATION
Bill Implements Needed Security Standards at Ports

Groundbreaking bipartisan cargo security legislation authored by Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Susan Collins (R-ME) and Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) unanimously passed the Senate today, 98-0. Titled the "Port Security Improvement Act," the measure would implement needed security reforms at our nation's seaports, including improved cargo screening standards and incentives to importers to enhance their security measures, and would put a framework in place to ensure the successful resumption of shipping in the event of a terrorist attack.

"The link between maritime security and our national security is obvious, and the vulnerabilities of our ports is worrisome. An attack on an American port could cause great loss of life, damage our energy supplies and infrastructure, cripple retailers and manufacturers, and hamper our ability to move and supply American military forces," said Senator Collins. "This important legislation will help close dangerous gaps in our ability to protect our shipping lanes and seaports from attack. It establishes clear and measurable goals for better security of commercial operations from point of origin to destination, and mandates baseline security standards while providing incentives for additional voluntary measures."

America's 361 seaports are vital elements of our nation's transportation network. Our seaports move more than 95 percent of overseas trade. In 2005, U.S. ports logged 53,000 calls by foreign-flagged vessels, including 16,000 container-ship calls that brought 11 million shipping containers to our shores. While this figure represents robust trade, it also signals a considerable risk to our nation's security.

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