Washington, D.C. - Tonight U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) voted in favor of the final Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act as agreed to by the House and Senate, directing the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a strategic plan to increase security within the maritime transportation system. 

“The Dubai Ports World acquisition focused attention on the vulnerabilities of port security in the United States.  Our layered defense for security at our ports is full of holes and gaps.  To ensure our nation remains safe and secure, we must adequately fund port security measures,” said Larsen.

He continued, “The SAFE Port Act will strengthen our port security by setting minimum security standards, adopting technology to monitor the contents of containers entering U.S. ports, and funding the Container Security Initiative (CSI), a program that checks containers before they enter the U.S.”
   
Two separate reports issued by the Government Accountability Office earlier this year found that 35% of high-risk containers entering the United States went un-inspected.  The reports also indicated that only 13% of companies in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program had completed their security background checks.

“It is time for Congress to give the same attention to port security as we have given to airport security.  This bill takes a giant step in the right direction,” Larsen concluded.

Larsen, an original co-sponsor of the SAFE Port Act, highlighted the following provisions of the bill:

• Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a strategy for cargo and maritime security including a timeline and plan for the resumption of trade in the event of an attack. 
  
• Establishes an Office of Cargo Security Policy at DHS to coordinate DHS policies relating to cargo security.
  
• Establishes minimum security standards for all cargo containers entering the U.S.
  Requires DHS to develop a plan for the inspection of passengers and vehicles before loading onto ferries bound for a U.S. port.
  
• Creates a dedicated stream of funding for port security grants.  Specifically, the bill authorizes $400 million annually from FY 2007-FY 2011 for a dedicated grant program based on risk.
  
• Authorizes the Container Security Initiative (CSI) program and authorizes appropriations annually from FY 2008-FY 2010 ($144 million, $146 million and $153.3 million respectively).
  
• Authorizes the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program and provides funds for the program.
  
• Focuses on research and development efforts to improve maritime and cargo security.
  
• Provides a deadline for implementation of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Program at all U.S. ports by January 1, 2009.
  
• Requires the Secretary of DHS to ensure that 100 percent of cargo containers entering and leaving the U.S. through a seaport undergo a screening to identify high-risk containers.

Congressman Larsen represents Washington state’s 2nd Congressional District.  Washington is home to several major ports and is the third largest exporting state in the nation.  According to the Pacific Northwest Waterways Association, the state handles 7% of all U.S. exports and receives a 6% share of the nation’s imports. 

###