House Homeland Security Committee to Approves SMART Port Security Act

The House Homeland Security Committee approved in a voice vote HR-4251, the Securing Maritime Activities through Risk-based Targeting (SMART) for Port Security Act , June 6. The legislation is meant to authorize, enhance, and reform port security programs through increased efficiency and risk-based coordination within the Department of Homeland Security. Text of the bill is here.

House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Peter King (R-N.Y.) said in an opening statement the bill would increase cooperation and coordination between agencies responsible for securing U.S. maritime borders. The bill also enhances supply chain security efforts, such as C-TPAT, and would ensure DHS funds are prioritized where they will be most effective, he said.

Specifically, HR-4251, as amended:

• Reduces redundancies by allowing DHS to recognize other countries’ Trusted Shipper Programs, in addition to allowing the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) to recognize other governments’ or organizations’ port security threat assessments;
• Requires DHS to update the Maritime Operations Coordination Plan to enhance interagency cooperation;
• Seeks to improve efficiency and save taxpayer dollars by commissioning a report to study possible cost savings by having the USCG and CBP share facilities, as well as requiring CBP to use standard practices and risk-based assessments when deploying assets;
• ·Institutes changes to the Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC) program to prompt DHS to install readers, improve efficiency for enrollees, and prevent unauthorized use.
• In addition, the legislation requires DHS to complete a detailed strategic plan for global supply chain security. In January, the Obama Administration published a six-page Global Supply Chain Security Strategy. H.R. 4251 requires a more in-depth approach to global supply chain security with a focus on providing incentives for the private sector and measurable goals.