House committee passes DHS authorization, CSI requirements

House committee passes DHS authorization, CSI requirements    The House Homeland Security Committee this week voted for a budget bill that would authorize $34 billion for the Department of Homeland Security, an increase from the $27.3 billion requested by the Bush administration. The bill would include $134 million for the Container Security Initiative, down slightly from the Bush administration’s request of $138 million, and sets requirements for the Customs and Border Protection program for conducting targeted inspections at overseas ports. The bill requires CBP to conduct a risk assessment of container vulnerability in each foreign port being considered for the program and that the DHS secretary will only implement the program at those ports deemed to pose a "significant" risk. The bill also requires the department to help foreign customs authorities set up non-intrusive inspection systems at CSI ports and train personnel. Cargo containers arriving at a United States port of entry from a CSI port would require the same level of inspection and screening as cargo containers arriving at a United States port of entry from a foreign seaport that is not participating in CSI unless the containers were initially inspected at the CSI port at the request of CSI personnel and such personnel verify and electronically record that the inspection indicates that the containers do not contain unlawful goods or persons. The committee adopted a provision requiring the Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection directorate to author reports about each sector of critical infrastructure, such as the transportation system, and share them with the private sector owners of those assets. The language addresses concerns that DHS prevents industry from taking steps to protect its infrastructure because of reluctance to disseminate any kind of threat information for perceived security reasons. The committee agreed to an amendment by that would require DHS to mandate the use of high-security seals on all ocean containers, proper documentation tracking seal usage and changes and verification by vessel operators of a proper seal before loading. The bill instructs DHS to seek international standards for these container seal security. The bill keeps the pressure on DHS, which said it plans to issue such a regulation this year. Border and transportation security policymakers have developed a container seal regulation that is being reviewed by Secretary Michael Chertoff’s office and then the White House. The amendment, offered by Rep. Linda Sanchez, D-Calif., also seeks to improve the manifest information used by CBP in its automated pre-arrival targeting system by requiring CBP to contact shippers to explain any anomalies in the bill of lading. The committee also required DHS to set up a demonstration program at a U.S. seaport to integrate non-intrusive gamma ray cargo image scanning and radiation detection systems, along with electronic container tracking systems. CBP currently runs a limited number of containers through gamma ray inspection systems and has separate drive-by radiation portals set up at truck gates at many ports. Some companies are combining these and other container identification technologies, such as radio frequency identification (RFID) and some security experts see this as a possible way to conduct 100 percent screening of containers without slowing down box flow for physical inspections. The measure also calls on DHS to consolidate all maritime cargo security programs. Several amendments were defeated. An amendment introduced for the third consecutive year by Rep. Edward Markey to require 100 percent inspection of all cargo placed aboard passenger aircraft was defeated by a vote of 8-20. Markey believes the Known Shipper program that allows certified shippers and freight forwarders to book freight on passenger planes is not adequate. Rep. Mark Souder, R-Ind., withdrew an amendment that would have redesignated the Border and Transportation Security Directorate the Directorate of Customs, Immigration and Border Protection, thus narrowing its areas of responsibility. The bill would have transferred all functions of the CBP and Immigration and Customs Enforcement commissioners to the directorate, which would be headed a commissioner instead of an under secretary. The bill was an attempt to maintain the Transportation Security Administration, which officials have been disbursing to other parts of the department, as a distinct entity reporting to the deputy secretary instead of BTS.