Conference Report on H.R. 4954, Safe Port Act

CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 4954, SAFE PORT ACT -- (House of Representatives - September 29, 2006)

Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the conference report for H.R. 4954, the SAFE Port Act.

As a member of the Port Security Caucus and as an original co-sponsor of this legislation, I have been consistently fighting for a massive increase in funding and focus to secure our Nation's ports.

But as the 9/11 Commission's failing grades have pointed out, over the last four years, the administration and the Republican Congress have done far too little to secure our Nation's critical infrastructure.

Just earlier this week the Homeland Security Department announced its latest round of port security grants. The Port of Oakland in my district did not get a single penny even though it's the 4th busiest container port in the country and is a gateway to trade with Asia and the Pacific. That is just inexcusable.

By authorizing $400 million in annual port security grants, the SAFE Port Act takes a step in the right direction. Now we have the responsibility to fund it.

We must also fix the gaps that still remain by requiring 100% screening of cargo before it reaches our shores.

At the same time I am disappointed that the Senate language to expand funding to secure our rail and transit systems was not included in this bill.

The London and Mumbai rail and subway bombings happened on our watch. We should not adjourn this session without addressing this critical vulnerability.

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