SENATE APPROPRIATIONS RECOMMENDS $312 MILLION FOR ACE IN FY 2003

SENATE APPROPRIATIONS RECOMMENDS $312 MILLION FOR ACE IN FY 2003    The Senate Appropriations Committee has recommended the fiscal year 2003 budget should provide $312.9 million to U.S. Customs to continue work on the agency's new computer system, the Automated Commercial Environment.
   The committee made the recommendation Wednesday following markup and conference on the Treasury and General Government Appropriation bill (S.2740).
   Customs’ current trade data processing tool, the Automated Commercial System, is to be replaced by ACE within five years. In addition to the ACE funding request, the committee provided $122.4 million for the continuance of ACS in current legislation.
   “Automation modernization of the aging Customs commercial systems and processes is critical to the nation’s commerce,” the committee said in language accompanying the bill. “In light of the events of Sept. 11, it is even more imperative that all trade entering this country be as accurately tracked as possible,” the committee said.
   The committee directs Customs, in concert with the General Accounting Office and the U.S. Department of Treasury. The committee added that it “looks forward to favorably considering an even more robust funding request” for ACE in the administration’s next budget submission.
   Earlier this year, President Bush, in his recommended budget to Congress, had requested $313 million for ACE development. ACE is an estimated $1.4-billion system with a four-year development plan. The bill is expected to go up for a vote in the Senate soon.