Commissioner Says FMC to Share OTI Information with CBP to Assist in National Security, Etc.
On April 15, 2008, Federal Maritime Commissioner Anderson issued a statement regarding the FMC's fiscal year 2009 budget before the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure's Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation. Highlights of his comments include:
Sign up for a free preview to unlock the rest of this article
Communications Daily is required reading for senior executives at top telecom corporations, law firms, lobbying organizations, associations and government agencies (including the FCC). Join them today!
FMC May Provide Access to Background Information on OTIs and Other Entities
"Our [FMC's] unique mission affords us the opportunity to assist front-line security efforts by providing information regarding the backgrounds of all parties utilizing our Nation's supply chain - including those with direct access to our seaports.
The Commission is currently assisting national security efforts by working to share its informational resources with other federal agencies, including the CBP and the Department of Homeland Security, through the International Trade Data System (ITDS) and the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) portal. An updated Memorandum of Understanding with Customs is in process of negotiation and will solidify the cooperative relationship between the two agencies, particularly with respect to the sharing of information.
For its part, the Commission expects to provide access to its extensive informational resources and databases containing background information on entities regulated by the Commission - some of the most complete databases identifying OTIs and other persons engaged in U.S. foreign commerce. Once completed, the ACE/ITDS system will provide greater transparency of the Nation's supply chain."
FMC Ready to Scrutinize Licensees, Ensure Transparency for Container Cargo
"The Commission stands ready to contribute more significantly to the nation's current and long-term efforts to improve maritime security in ways closely related to our current mission and responsibilities.
Among these are closer scrutiny of licensees and other regulated transportation entities; better information gathering and sharing with other agencies; and ensuring greater transparency for container cargo."
U.S.-Asia Liner Cargo Statistics
"As in preceding years [to FY 2007], China was the leading trading partner in liner cargo with the U.S.; over half of all U.S. liner cargoes (both imports and exports) are concentrated in trade with countries in Northeast Asia.
Cargo growth in imports from Asia slowed substantially by the end of fiscal 2007, to less than one percent, down from a growth rate of 15 percent in fiscal year 2006.
Some of this drop can be attributed to the corresponding declines in the U.S. housing market, rising costs of energy and fuel, as well as to product safety issues recently highlighted in the case of certain goods made in China.
Conversely, U.S. liner exports to Asia grew by 11 percent, up from a 6 percent increase in the preceding fiscal year."
(See ITT's Online Archives or 04/24/08 news, 08042405, for BP summary of FMC Commissioner Dye saying that FMC should consider tariff publication relief for NVOCCs, etc.)
Commissioner Anderson's written statement (dated 04/15/08) available at http://www.fmc.gov/UserFiles/pages/File/FY2009_FMC_Budget_Statement.pdf
BP Note
There are currently four FMC Commissioners, each with equal authority, and no FMC Chairman, who is to act as the Chief Executive and Administrative Officer of the FMC. FMC sources state that there has not been a FMC Chairman since mid-2006, when Steven Blust resigned.