Puerto Cortes, Honduras - Congressman Al Green (TX-09), on Wednesday, April 11, 2007, during a bi-partisan Congressional Delegation trip of the House Committee on Homeland Security, toured and inspected the Port of Cortes, Honduras, one of the sites selected to participate in Secure Freight Initiative (SFI). Last week, Members of the committee were joined by Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Michael Jackson, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) officials, and their Honduran government counterparts.  The Secure Freight Initiative fulfills the pilot requirement set forth by Congress in the 2006 Safe Port Act, co-sponsored by Congressman Al Green.

"Worldwide shipping networks are necessary for maintaining the international supply chain, and extend U.S. national security beyond our physical borders. By improving port security across the globe, we are better able to defend our homeland from terrorist threats.  While in Honduras, I was impressed with the Honduran government’s willingness towards bilateral cooperation on Homeland Security issues including, the technology in use to detect against nuclear threats and the skill of Honduran operators in using nuclear detection equipment," stated Congressman Green.  "I commend the Government of Honduras for their dedication and leadership in this effort.  The success of Honduras’ initial implementation of the SFI provides us with an important step in developing a prototype for successful nuclear scanning and will better provide us with information on logistical and operational implementation of this program at ports across the globe."

The initial phase of the Secure Freight Initiative involves deployment of existing technology and proven nuclear detection devices, which will scan ALL containers bound for the U.S. for radiation, nuclear materials, and information risk factors.  In the event of a detection alarm, both homeland security personnel and host country officials will simultaneously receive an alert.  Data gathered on containers bound for the United States in foreign ports participating in the Secure Freight Initiative will be transmitted in near real-time to CBP officers working in overseas ports and to the CBP National Targeting Center.

"By scanning ALL containers prior to their departure to the United States, American ports- such as the Port of Houston- are better protected against the threat of a nuclear attack at home," continued Congressman Green.  "In January, I received a thorough briefing and tour of the Port of Houston.  I look forward to working with representatives from the Port of Houston Authority in the hopes that our ports will have all the necessary equipment, resources, and funding to work towards the security and vitality of American ports for the safety of our homeland and the American people."

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