Securing U.S. Ports Against Terror

The Subcommittee on Technology, Terrorism, and Government Information of the Senate Judiciary Committee conducted a hearing on February 26, 2002 concerning Securing our Ports Against Terrorism: Technology, Resources and Homeland Defense. Captain William Schubert, Maritime Administrator, testified about grants to be provided to critical national seaports to finance the cost of enhancing facility and operational security. Bonni Tischler, Assistant Commissioner, Customs Service, testified about the agency’s Container Security Initiative. RADM Kenneth Venuto, USCG, testified about Maritime Domain Awareness. Richard Steinke, representing the American Association of Port Authorities, discussed efforts by U.S. port authorities to improve security. Amanda DeBusk, former Commissioner, Interagency Commission on Crime and Security in U.S. Seaports, discussed the Commission’s recommendations for improving security in U.S. seaports. Kim Petersen, Maritime Security Council, discussed efforts undertaken by the marine industry to improve security. Rob Quartel, FreightDesk Technologies, discussed the need to enhance security at loading ports. Charles Upchurch, representing the Global Alliance for Trade Efficiency, discussed methods for improving container security. Source: HK Law