Bush signs SAFE into law
President Bush signed legislation Friday that promises to bolster U.S. port security.
The Security and Accountability for Every Port Act (SAFE), which Congress passed Sept. 29, solidifies into law most of the Homeland Security Department’s existing security programs, such as the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism and the Container Security Initiative.
The legislation also calls for 22 of the largest U.S. ports to scan all incoming cargo for radioactive materials by the end of September 2007, encourages development of the “Green Lane” for approved shippers, and raises the funding level for port security grants.
The SAFE legislation authorizes the spending of more than $3.4 billion on port security over the next five years.
“We have a responsibility to protect the homeland and we’re meeting that responsibility,” Bush said in the statement.