Washington, DC – Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) issued the following statement in response to the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations release of their report on weaknesses in our current maritime cargo security regime.
“The Subcommittee’s report released today provides a thorough assessment of the strengths, weaknesses and areas of gravest concern within our current supply chain security structure,” said Senator Collins. “The findings of this investigation highlight our urgent need to address the shortcomings in our cargo security system through comprehensive legislation. To this end, we will hold a hearing on the Collins-Murray GreenLane Maritime Security Act next week to address the vulnerabilities identified in this report."
Specifically, the GreenLane Maritime Cargo Security Act will:
· Protect Americans by making our cargo and seaports more secure - mitigating a dangerous vulnerability.
· Help prevent a lengthy shutdown of America's seaports in the event of an incident – protecting America's economy from severe disruption.
· Provide layered security at every step of the supply chain while keeping it efficient.
· Push the borders out so we can focus our limited resources on suspect cargo.
The bill improves security at America's ports by establishing:
· The GreenLane, comprised of supply chain participants who voluntarily meet the highest level of security, allows our security services to better identify and respond to potential threats and provides real incentives to importers to enhance their supply chain security measures.
· Minimum security standards for all cargo containers entering the U.S. and requirements that strengthen current cargo security programs.
· The Office of Cargo Security Policy to ensure accountability and coordination of cargo security policies, procedures & regulations at the Department of Homeland Security and with other agencies.
· Joint Operations Centers to ensure a coordinated, measured response and the resumption and flow of commerce in the event of an incident or heightened national security threat level.
· The Act also authorizes $835 million for Port Security Grants, the Container Security Initiative and C-TPAT generated through the collection of customs fees.