Press Releases - Larsen Directs Attention, Resources to U.S. Port Security

Larsen Directs Attention, Resources to U.S. Port Security

Washington, D.C. - Tonight U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted in favor of the final Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act as agreed to by the House and Senate, directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a strategic plan to increase security within the maritime transportation system.

"The Dubai Ports World acquisition focused attention on the vulnerabilities of port security in the United States. Our layered defense for security at our ports is full of holes and gaps. To ensure our nation remains safe and secure, we must adequately fund port security measures," said Larsen.

He continued, "The SAFE Port Act will strengthen our port security by setting minimum security standards, adopting technology to monitor the contents of containers entering U.S. ports, and funding the Container Security Initiative (CSI), a program that checks containers before they enter the U.S."

Two separate reports issued by the Government Accountability Office earlier this year found that 35% of high-risk containers entering the United States went un-inspected. The reports also indicated that only 13% of companies in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program had completed their security background checks.

"It is time for Congress to give the same attention to port security as we have given to airport security. This bill takes a giant step in the right direction," Larsen concluded.

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http://www.house.gov/list/press/wa02_larsen/PR_092806_Port_Security.html