Senate Passes Final Version of Senator Collins' Port Security Legislation

SENATE PASSES FINAL VERSION OF SENATOR COLLINS' PORT SECURITY LEGISLATION
President to Sign Bill Into Law Next Month

The U.S. Senate last night approved the Conference Report, or final version, of Port Security legislation coauthored by Senator Collins, Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. The bill includes major provisions to significantly strengthen security at our nation's ports by establishing improved cargo screening standards, providing incentives to importers to enhance their security measures, and implementing a framework to ensure the successful resumption of shipping in the event of a terrorist attack.

The Conference Report that was approved tonight is modeled after port
security legislation authored by Senators Susan Collins and Patty Murray (D-
WA).

"Passage of this port security bill is a major leap ahead in our efforts to strengthen our national security. America's 361 ports are vital elements in our nation's transportation network. 11 million shipping containers enter American ports each year and have the potential to be the Trojan Horse of the 21st Century. They present serious security vulnerabilities, as we have seen in several recent incidents. This legislation will provide the structure and
the resources needed to better protect the American people from attack through seaports that are both vulnerable ports of entry and vital centers of economic activity," said Senator Collins.

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