Senate Hearing on Implementation of the SAFE Port Act

The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation conducted an oversight hearing on Implementation of the SAFE Port Act, which was enacted by Congress in 2006. RADM David Pekoske, USCG explained Coast Guard port security efforts, including development of salvage response plans, unannounced inspections of maritime facilities, and long range identification and tracking. Ms. Maurine Fanguy, TSA, explained the significant progress made with respect to implementation of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. Mr. Thomas Winkowski, CBP, provided information regarding the Container Security Initiative (CSI) and other programs of the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Mr. Stephen Caldwell, GAO, testified that all the agencies involved in port security face personnel and resource constraints. Mr. Anthony Coscia, Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, testified that enhancing port security while not impeding the free flow of commerce is highly complex, requiring coordinated action at the local, state, federal, and international level. [Source: HK Law]