Experts have repeatedly told me and members of the Homeland Security committee that our ports are one of our biggest vulnerabilities. The bi-partisan bill I introduced along with other committee members will help build a coordinated approach to maritime and port security across all levels of government and with our overseas trading partners.
In addition to improving our nation’s security, it will expedite trade with foreign governments and businesses, and provide financial assistance to our ports as they strive to strengthen their terrorism prevention and response effort. The enactment of these reforms will ensure that cargo containers entering our ports do not become the Trojan horses of the 21st century.