The official text of the
Port Security Improvement Act of 2006 (H.R. 4954), which was passed by Congress just before its recent recess, has been posted on the Internet. The measure provides for, among other things, the inclusion of salvage response provisions in all Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans; the phased distribution of transportation worker identification credentials (to be accompanied by a pilot program to test card reader technology); long-range
vessel tracking provisions; authorization for port security grants (based on risk) in the amount of $400 million annually; and codification of the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program. The bill now awaits the President's signature.
Source: HK Law