May 4, 2006

Doolittle Port Security Provision
Passes House

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WASHINGTON, D.C. –  A provision introduced by House Republican Conference Secretary John T. Doolittle (R-Roseville) that would require that only Americans manage security operations at U.S. ports passed the House of Representatives today after being included in the Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act. The SAFE Port Act is a comprehensive, bipartisan bill that will increase security for U.S.-bound freight both domestically and internationally.

“Our ports are our most vulnerable line of defense in our fight against terrorism,” said Doolittle. “That is why it is imperative that security operations at American ports only be managed by Americans. I am pleased that a bipartisan majority of my colleagues agreed to include this critical provision in the bill.”

The bill will also:

• authorize $1.176 billion from 2007-2012 ($196 million each year) for the Container Security Initiative (CSI), a new program that will identify and examine maritime containers that pose a risk for terrorism at foreign ports before the containers are shipped to the U.S.;
   

• require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to install nuclear and radiological detection systems at 22 U.S. seaports by the end of FY07, which will cover 98 percent of incoming maritime containers;
   

• require DHS to develop standards for sealing containers en route to the Unites States within 180 days and implement those standards within two years;
   

• provide $400 million in risk-based funding through a dedicated Port Security Grant Program to harden U.S. ports against terrorist attacks and enhance capabilities to respond to attacks and resume operations; and
   

• authorize $1.89 billion to DHS for the acquisition and construction of vessels, aircraft, shore and offshore facilities and other components associated with the Integrated Deepwater System.