BUT MISSED OPPORTUNITY AS HOMELAND SECURITY COMMITTEE
REPUBLICANS BLOCK AMENDMENT TO SCREEN INCOMING CARGO

House Emergency Preparedness, Science and Technology Ranking Member U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, Jr. (D-NJ-08) today supported passage of the "Security and Accountability For Every (SAFE) Port Act" in the Homeland Security Committee.  The legislation directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop and implement a strategic plan to enhance the security of our ports, but missed an opportunity to address America's most obvious security vulnerability.  Pascrell was disappointed that an amendment to require inspection of all cargo bound for American ports was defeated by Republicans.  

"I was tremendously disappointed that Republicans defeated an amendment that would close America's greatest security vulnerability.  The Committee unconscionably squandered an opportunity to further protect millions of Americans and critical infrastructure.  I will continue my fight to use x-ray and radiation technology on all cargo that heads for our shores."

The SAFE Act does however include language from the "The Maritime Terminal Security Enhancement Act," which Pascrell introduced with U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-02-NJ) on March 6, 2006.  The Pascrell/LoBiondo legislation requires that port Facility Security Officers (FSO) are United States citizens.  It also requires that FSOs submit facility security plans for Coast Guard approval upon transfer of ownership or operational control of that facility.  The legislation was passed in the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on April 5, 2006.

"I have worked to pass bipartisan port security legislation in the Transportation Committee and am pleased that today the Homeland Committee also recognized the critical importance of my proposal.  It is essential that our Coast Guard be empowered to question foreign and domestic entities on security changes at port terminals.  By ensuring that an American citizen is in charge of port security, we are providing greater insurance that the right people are in place to manage the enormous security responsibility at our ports."

Additionally, the House Committee adopted two amendments offered by Ranking Member Pascrell that would enhance the capabilities of our nation's ports to prevent, prepare for, respond to, and mitigate emergency incidents.  The provisions would:
. direct the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a Port Security Training Program
. require DHS to develop a comprehensive port security exercise program for the purposes of testing and evaluating the capabilities of various entities involved in the operations and safety of our ports

"The workers whose boots are on the ground will unquestionably have an incredible responsibility if a large scale incident is to occur at a port.  My legislation takes a common sense approach in preparing them with validated training to mitigate and respond to an act of terror or natural disaster."

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