Security and Accountability for Every Port Act

SECURITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FOR EVERY PORT ACT -- (House of Representatives - May 04, 2006)

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Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, whatever the merits of the recent controversy surrounding the proposed acquisition of American port terminals by Dubai Ports World, one very good thing came out of that controversy, and that was an enhanced focus on the needs to better defend America's ports.

We recognize that the incredible amount of cargo that passes through our ports could serve as an entry point to be used by terrorists to smuggle in weapons to harm Americans. Of particular concern are nuclear or radiological substances or devices.

During the DP World debate, many came to the erroneous conclusion that we were actually outsourcing port security. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Let me just tell you about a company in my district called Burtek. This is an American company and American workers who are doing great work to enhance our port security.

Burtek is producing something called Mobile Radiation Portal Monitors, the first of which they delivered to the Customs and Border Protection Agency just last week. These devices will be placed at our ports and allow CBP to scan containers quickly and efficiently for any radioactive cargo.

An American company and skilled American workers supplying a very important device to American security personnel to protect America's ports. We are not outsourcing this job to anyone, Mr. Chairman, and the great workers of my district are doing their part to defend our Nation.

I urge my colleagues to support this very important legislation and to continue the effort to better secure our Nation's ports.

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