Legislation Again Targets 100 Percent Scanning Pilot at Domestic Ports
Rep. Janice Hahn, D-Calif., introduced legislation in recent days to create a pilot program for 100 percent scanning of cargo containers at domestic ports. Hahn introduced the same bill in September 2014, but the legislation didn’t make it out of the House Homeland Security Border and Maritime Security subcommittee. The Scan Containers Absolutely Now Act, HR-2534, calls on the Homeland Security Department to launch a pilot program for the 100 scanning within one year of enactment of the legislation.
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The legislation amends the Security and Accountability For Every Port Act of 2006, also known as the SAFE Port Act. That law put in place a DHS mandate to implement 100 percent screening of inbound U.S. cargo at overseas ports. DHS has repeatedly delayed implementation of the mandate, citing high costs and other challenges, but CBP Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske recently said progress is being made toward the 100 percent screening target (see 1504230030). DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson last delayed implementation in 2014 (see 14060233).
The Hahn legislation would direct DHS to conduct a one-year pilot program at two domestic ports. DHS would solicit applications from U.S. ports, and ultimately choose two of them. Along with the Government Accountability Office, DHS would make determinations of the performance measures for assessing the pilot. The legislation would provide $30 million to DHS to conduct the pilot. One year after completion of the pilot, DHS would then have to submit a report to Congress on the following:
- an evaluation of the process of 100 percent scanning of cargo containers
- the results of performance measure used to assess the pilot program
- recommendations on how to carry out 100 percent scanning at all domestic ports
Email ITTNews@warren-news.com for a copy of the legislation.