HOUSE PASSES TRANSPORTATION ANTITERRORISM BILL
The U.S. House on Tuesday approved legislation that establishes a comprehensive national system to increase anti-terrorism security at U.S. ports and waterways.
H.R. 3983, “The Maritime Transportation Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002,” was passed by a voice vote. The legislation includes provisions that would authorize $5.9 billion for Coast Guard operations during fiscal year 2002.
It would also extend the jurisdiction of the Coast Guard from three to 12 miles from shore for security activities. A section of the bill would also require vessels entering the 12-mile zone to provide 96 hours notice to the Coast Guard prior to arrival in those waters, and it would also allow for the deployment of trained Coast Guard personnel or “sea marshals” on facilities and vessels to deter or respond to acts of terrorism.
H.R. 3983 also authorizes $225 million for federal grants to help ports enhance seaport security.
“Port security is an essential piece of an effective Homeland Security program,” said Transportation Committee Chairman Don Young, R-Alaska. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-N.J., who introduced the bill with Young, said the bill’s passage in the House sends a message that Congress is committed to protect America’s waterways from terrorism.
“I hope that we can see the provisions of this bill become law very soon because of the tremendous importance of the maritime transportation system to our economy and nation,” LoBiondo said.
The American Association of Ports Authorities applauded the increased port funding the House bill would provide.
'Greater resources are critical for continued improvements in security of our nation's ports,' said Kurt J. Nagle, AAPA president. 'We encourage Congress to provide more funding in both the security legislation and in the fiscal year 2002 supplemental bills.'
The AAPA said that, unlike the Senate bill S. 1214, 'The Port and Maritime Security Act of 2001,' the House bill 'is focused solely on terrorism and is not as detailed on planning requirements, leaving the specifics up to future regulations.' Planning requirements of the House bill are limited to areas the Department of Transportation determines are at risk of having a catastrophic emergency in the event of a terrorist attack.
The House bill would provide grants to ports over three years totaling $249 million. Out of this amount, $7.5 million will be made available for reimbursement to ports that have made security enhancements since Sept. 11. The Senate bill, over a five-year period, calls for $390 million in grants.
Both the Senate Appropriations Committee and the House have passed supplemental funding for fiscal year 2002, which includes increases for port security grants. The House version, passed May 24, provides $75 million in additional grants, while the Senate committee includes $200 million for grants. The Senate bill may be taken to the floor soon. Congress also appropriated $93.3 million for port security grants in December.