Bill Approved to Advance Transportation Security
Posted on: Thursday, 16 February 2006, 09:00 CST
By Anonymous
The U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee recently unanimously approved the Transportation Security Improvement Act of 2005 (S. 1052).
According to Senate officials, the comprehensive legislation reasserts the importance of transportation security to the nation's physical and economic health, and makes significant advances in port, rail, aviation and motor carrier security, as well as the security of shipping hazardous materials.
The bill combines many proposals previously approved by both the Senate Commerce Committee and the full Senate, and also incorporates new concepts.
The legislation would authorize a total of $18.375 billion for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over the next three years in the areas of aviation, surface transportation and intelligence, and would authorize $671 million to the U.S. Department of Transportation for its relevant areas of responsibility. It would require the DHS to set-aside funding specifically for the development of transportation security technology. The bill also would instruct the DHS to notify the U.S. Congress before any future reorganization.
During consideration of the bill, the committee adopted a substitute to the bill by unanimous consent. The substitute reflects that the legislation would enhance cargo security by improving the examination of shipments before they reach U.S. shores.
The bill would call upon the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol to develop standards for the evaluation, screening and inspection of cargo destined for the United States prior to loading in a foreign port.
High-risk cargo would also receive greater targeting and scrutiny under the legislation by requiring importers to file entry data 24 hours prior to loading at a foreign port.
The bill would clarify the requirements for expedited clearance of cargo through the secure Systems of Transportation program, and direct DHS to give vessels with U.S. Coast Guardcertified security plans preference for port access following an incident.
According to Senate officials, the success of Joint Operations Command Centers (JOCC) at the ports of Charleston, South Carolina, and San Diego, California, prompted the bill's sponsors to expand their use at all high-priority strategic ports. Having enhanced interagency cooperation and coordination, the JOCCs are prototypical of the unified response that will be required in the event of a seaport attack.
Additionally, the bill would direct DHS to make port security grants more risk-based, and would allow for the multi-year funding of projects.
Copyright Compass Publications, Inc. Jan 2006
Source: Sea Technology
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