Mar 2, 2007

Senators Propose 100-Percent Cargo ScreeningSource: Various

U.S. Senators Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) offered an amendment to the Improving America’s Security Act (S. 4) currently being considered by the Senate. The Schumer-Menendez amendment would require 100 percent of containers from large ports be scanned before arriving to the United States within three years. In some cases, flowers and other perishable products are shipped in cargo, which means delaying cargo could significantly slow supply chains.

The Amendment, identical to Title V of H.R. 1, which passed the House in January, would require 100 percent of containers from the largest foreign ports to be scanned and sealed before arriving in the United States within three years. Within five years, 100 percent of containers from all ports worldwide must be scanned and sealed before arriving in the United States. The Secretary of Homeland Security may grant a single 1-year extension of the deadline if equipment is not available for purchase and installation.