HOUSE INTRODUCES SEAPORT SECURITY BILL

HOUSE INTRODUCES SEAPORT SECURITY BILL    The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has introduced legislation to improve the nation’s seaport security against terrorist attacks.
   The bill, the Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Act of 2002, was introduced by Representatives James L. Oberstar, D-Minn; Frank A. LoBiondo, R-N.J.; and Corrine Brown, D-Fla.
   However, the bill still contains numerous points of concern for shippers, importers, customs brokers, freight forwarders, non-vessel-operating common carriers, ocean carriers, ports and terminals.
   The World Shipping Council told House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee members last week that the congressional push for seaport legislation lacked clarity. The National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America expressed concern that importers and brokers would have to report to the Transportation Department rather than Customs with data acquired at the cargo’s origin. The ports are concerned about covering the costs of increased security.
   The House Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation is expected to mark up the seaport security bill on Wednesday.
   Congress is eager to pass seaport security legislation in the wake of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks against the United States.
   Before the congressional recess in December, the Senate unanimously passed its version seaport security legislation, the 2001 Port and Maritime Security Act. The bill was largely championed by Sen. Ernest F. Hollings, D-S.C., chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.