DHS to host cargo security summit Dec. 16-17

DHS to host cargo security summit Dec. 16-17    The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is planning a national cargo security summit to bring together experts and policymakers from government and the private sector to exchange ideas on how to improve the nation's supply chain security strategy.
   The event is scheduled for Dec. 16-17, according to a DHS official. The timing of the meeting could be problematic for some potential participants as invitations to the private session have yet to be sent out, according to other sources.
   The closed-door event is billed as an opportunity for a government-industry dialogue to assess the status of antiterrorism security measures dealing with international cargo and all modes of freight transportation and recommend needed changes. Opening speeches by Adm. James Loy, deputy secretary of homeland security, and others are expected to be public.
   The meeting comes at a time when DHS is under increasing pressure from Congress to demonstrate the effectiveness of border security measures or replace incentive-based programs for private sector cooperation with a more regulatory approach.