Bill to Reauthorize CTPAT Introduced in House
Top Republicans on the House Homeland Security Committee and Ways and Means Trade Subcommittee, along with Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar of Texas, have introduced a reauthorization bill for the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism. The bill includes changes that would improve CBP program management and information sharing and collaboration with industry.
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Rep. Clay Higgins, R-La., authored the bill, which was introduced July 11. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, former chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, said, "Reauthorizing this program will expand eligibility for more companies and entrepreneurs, require critical safety updates, and protect industries to mitigate economic hardships and expand security protections. I am glad to support this legislation again this Congress, and I am confident it will clear the committee." The committee's ranking member, Rep. Mike Rogers of Alabama, is also a co-sponsor.
A reauthorization of CTPAT passed the House of Representatives with more than 400 votes in 2017, but did not get a vote in the Senate. A reauthorization was introduced in the Senate in 2011, but didn't get a hearing. The program was first part of the SAFE Port Act in 2006.
The Border Trade Alliance wrote to Homeland Security Committee Chairman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., asking that he consider it. The group said, "The BTA appreciates the bill’s direction to CBP that the agency must consult with industry when implementing new or updated security criteria; that it ensures participants receive quantifiable benefits such as shorter wait times and fewer inspections at ports of entry for participation in CTPAT; and that it expands specific benefits to all participants at various stages of the CBP vetting and site visit validation process. These are important provisions to ensure that the program continues to attract new partners and retains existing ones. If program benefits begin to wane, then the effectiveness of CTPAT will as well. We also support the bill’s protections for industry when appealing a suspension or removal from the program to mitigate economic hardships. Companies require a clear, unambiguous process for appeals in order to avoid supply chain disruptions that could negatively impact their suppliers or customers."