House Security Committee to Review Effectiveness of C-TPAT and CSI
The House Homeland Security Committee has recently posted its oversight plan for the 112th Congress (2011-2012)1. According to the Committee, the plan includes areas in which it expects to conduct oversight during the 112th Congress, but does not preclude oversight or investigation of additional matters as the need arises.
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Highlights of the trade-related aspects of the Committee’s oversight plan for the 112th Congress include:
Review of C-TPAT and CSI to Ensure Trade Facilitation-Security Balance
The Committee plans to review the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS’) supply chain security programs, such as the Customs- Trade Partnership against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and the Container Security Initiative (CSI), to ensure a proper balance between the facilitation of lawful trade and security.
This will include an assessment of implementation of the Maritime and Transportation Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-295), the Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act of 2006 (P.L. 109-347), relevant provisions of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-458), and the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-53).
Port & Maritime Security, Including Cargo Screening, Container Standards, TWIC
The Committee will examine various aspects of port and maritime security, including the security of port facilities; the screening of vessels, passengers, cargo, and crew for potential terrorists, terrorist weapons, and contraband; the development of international
security standards for shipping and containers; and the implementation and operation of the Transportation Worker Identification Card (TWIC).
Border Control Issues, Especially Mexico
The Committee will focus on additional policies and resources necessary for DHS to gain operational control over U.S. land and maritime borders, including but not limited to personnel, technology, infrastructure, and coordination. The Committee will also assess the status of programs and international agreements to secure U.S. land borders on the north and the south from illegal entry by persons or contraband. Furthermore, the Committee continues to be concerned about the threat of spill-over violence stemming from the rise of drug cartels and the increasingly violent conflict throughout Mexico. During the 112th Congress, the Committee will conduct rigorous oversight of these issues.
Review of Coast Guard Maritime Security Operations, Including IPSP and Ports
The Committee plans to review the Coast Guard’s homeland security missions, to include ports, waterways, and coastal security; drug interdiction; law enforcement; and defense readiness. This will include a specific assessment of the Coast Guard’s anti-terrorist capabilities, most notably those found within the Deployable Operations Group and its units, including Maritime Safety and Security Teams, Port Security Units, Tactical Law Enforcement Teams, and the Maritime Security Response Team.
Furthermore, the Committee will closely investigate the Coast Guard’s specific maritime security operations and initiatives, such as the International Port Security Program and the inspection of vessels originating from ports with inadequate anti-terrorism measures.
TSA National Strategy for Transportation Security
During the 112th Congress, the Committee will examine DHS’ continuing efforts to implement the National Strategy for Transportation Security; the efforts of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in fulfilling its mandate under the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001; and TSA’s policies and programs to address security threats against all modes of transportation.
Review TSA Efforts to Secure Surface Transportation, Including Rail, Highways
In the 112th Congress, the Committee will review the Transportation Security Administration’s efforts to secure surface transit systems, including the most at-risk freight rail, pipelines, and highway systems. The Committee’s examination will include a review of TSA plans for providing resources to adequately train and staff surface transportation inspector units.
Challenges Posed by Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Weapons
The Committee will examine the significant challenges posed by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons to homeland security and assess the government’s progress in implementing security strategies including prevention, preparedness, and response approaches that utilize multiple tools and policies to reduce the likelihood and impact of CBRN attacks and, thus, the CBRN risk to the U.S.
1The Rules of the House of Representatives requires each Committee to adopt and submit an oversight plan for the 112th Congress.