Senate Bill Introduced to Provide New C-TPAT Benefits, Etc.
On April 14, 2011, Senators Collins (R), Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Senator Murray (D) introduced a bipartisan bill on several port security programs now in place in the U.S. which provide anti-terrorism protections designed to safeguard the nation’s critical shipping lanes and seaports from attack and sabotage.
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Bill Covers C-TPAT, ATS, CSI
Among other things, the bill contains provisions on the following:
- the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, or C-TPAT, that provides incentives to importers to enhance the security of their cargo from point of origin to destination;
- the Automated Targeting System that identifies high-risk cargo; and
- the Container Security Initiative that ensures high-risk cargo containers are inspected at ports overseas before they travel to the U.S.
Would Provide New C-TPAT Benefits
The press release states that the bill would also strengthen the C-TPAT program by providing new benefits, including offering voluntary security training to industry participants and providing participants an information sharing mechanism on maritime and port security threats, and authorizing Customs and Border Protection to conduct unannounced inspections to ensure that security practices are robust.
Would Address 100% Scanning Mandate
Finally, the measure addresses the difficulties in administering the mandate of x-raying and scanning for radiation all cargo containers overseas that are destined for the U.S. by July 2012.