BONNER CALLS FOR CUSTOMS TO BALANCE TRADE AND ENFORCEMENT
Robert C. Bonner, President Bush’s pick for the next Customs commissioner, told the Senate Finance Committee that the head of the agency will have to strike a balance between trade and enforcement demands.
“Effective enforcement of our drug, trade and anti-smuggling laws and protection of our borders are, of course, a fundamental obligation of Customs responsibility — and, indeed, they are a core governmental responsibility of the federal government,” Bonner said. “This responsibility must not overshadow Customs’ important role in facilitating trade and working with the trade industry to make Customs more efficient.”
Bonner said this balance can be reached through “identification of risks and better allocation of resources to meet those risks.”
He emphasized the need to finish building Customs’ future system, the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), to achieve this balance between enforcement and trade demands. “One of my highest priorities as Commissioner will be the successful and timely design, implementation and funding of ACE,” Bonner said.
Bonner said other priorities to meet will be the “explosive growth in international trade” and law enforcement concerns, such as drug trafficking, money laundering, international terrorism, counterfeit goods, cybercrime and protection of the country’s borders.
The Senate Finance Committee liked what they’ve seen in Bonner’s view and working history, of which half of his 35 years in the law profession was spent in the public sector.
“I’ve known him for a long time,” said Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah, ranking member of the Finance Committee. “He’s a good servant to the people.”
“We have Customs concerns and they keep mounting,” said Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., Finance Committee chairman. “Mr. Bonner, with his background, will do a good job.”
Industry representatives at the nomination hearing expressed optimism in Bonner’s ability to run the Customs Service.
“I think he’s likely to move forward without any trouble whatsoever,” said Jon Kent, Washington representative for the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America.
“We think his comments on ACE as being a priority for the U.S. Customs Service are right on the mark to improve trade automation for the future,” said Michael R. White, director of facilitation for the Air Transport Association. “The ATA will support Mr. Bonner and the Customs Service in making America a leader in cargo transport clearance.”
However, Bonner’s nomination could be held up until after the Congress returns from recess. Several Senate ranking members have demanded information on agency travel expenses and background checks from the Treasury Department, which they have yet to receive. Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, warned at the nomination hearing that federal agencies shouldn’t be allowed to hide behind the Privacy Act.