September 07,2006

Baucus Statement on Introduction of Port Security Legislation

Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont.), Ranking Member of the Senate Finance Committee released the following statement this evening upon Senate introduction of the Port Security Improvement Act of 2006:

“As a coauthor of the Port Security Improvement Act of 2006, I am proud of what my colleagues and I have accomplished. This legislation enhances the security of critical U.S. infrastructure and ensures the continued economic prosperity generated by our nation’s 317 ports.

“In particular, we have restored and enhanced a number of vital functions of Customs and Border Protection that will ensure safe and vibrant international trade. We are adding additional uniformed customs officers at every U.S. port. We are increasing funding for the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, which means more experts will work to validate the supply chain security of importers to the U.S. And we are establishing an Office of International Trade within Customs and Border Protection, to make sure trade facilitation and enforcement are carried out fully – with a level of personnel appropriate to the security and economic challenges our ports face today.

“The attacks of September 11th taught us that America must be better prepared to meet emergent threats and challenges to our homeland. In this bill, we have struck a balance that will help to preserve both American security and prosperity. I look forward to the debate on this bill in the coming days.”

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