House Approves SMART Port Security Act

June 29, 2012 by Tim Warren|Congress

The House approved HR-4251, the Securing Maritime Activities through Risk-based Targeting (SMART) for Port Security Act , June 28 under suspension of the rules. 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, which still needs Senate approval, is here.

Specifically, HR-4251, as amended:

Allows CBP to conduct unannounced inspections of a C-TPAT participant’s security measures and supply chain security practices;
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;
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;
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. HR-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.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Candice Miller (R-Mich.) said in a statement "the SMART Port Security Act enhances risk-based security measures overseas before the threat reaches our shores, emphasizes a stronger collaborative environment between CBP and USCG in sharing port security duties, and leverages the maritime security work of our trusted allies." Smart and "cost effective choices have to be made that maximizes our resources while ensuring the security of our ports -- and by extension, our way of life. This bill is a step toward smarter security that encourages DHS to be more efficient, better integrated, and more closely coordinated amongst its components, industry, and international partners.”

(See ITT's Online Archives 12060622 for summary of approval by the House Homeland Security Committee)