GreenLane maritime security legislation a good start, but can be improved
GreenLane will make greater distinction between safe and suspicious maritime cargo, which is a good thing for both commerce and security, but the bill introduced in Congress would benefit from additional tweaking
Senators Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Patty Murray (D-Washington) have introduced the GreenLane Maritime Cargo Security Act (S. 2008), aiming to increase security for cargo and seaports, minimize closures of U.S. seaports in case of an accident or attack, provide layered security in the supply chain, “push out” U.S. borders, and focus resources on suspect cargo. The legislation calls for improvements in the Automated Targeting System (ATS), the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C- TPAT), and the Container Security Initiative (CSI). The bill requires DHS secretary to fix deficiencies in C-TPAT and ATS which have been identified by federal oversight entities. The bill also modifies these programs to include a clear assessment method and inspection requirements for CSI and minimum requirements for participating in C-TPAT. These programs are useful in securing the nation’s supply chain, and improvements are welcome.
-read more in Heritage Foundation Alane Kochems’ analysis
