For other versions of this document, see http://wikileaks.org/wiki/CRS-RL31424 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Order Code RL31424 Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web Maritime and Port Security: A Comparison of Major Provisions of S. 1214 and H.R. 3983 Updated November 12, 2002 John Frittelli Transportation Analyst Resources, Science, and Industry Division Congressional Research Service ~ The Library of Congress Maritime and Port Security: A Comparison of Major Provisions of S. 1214 and H.R. 3983 Summary Congress is considering legislation to enhance security at U.S. seaports. The September 11 terrorist attack has raised concerns that a sea container could be used to transport a weapon of mass destruction. An interagency commission on crime and security at U.S. ports found that with a few exceptions, the level of security at U.S. ports was poor to fair. This report compares major provisions in S. 1214, which passed the Senate with an amendment, and H.R. 3983, which passed the House as amended. Five areas of the legislation are examined: federal funding, plans and programs for coordinating security, efforts to enhance foreign seaport security, cargo security provisions, and restrictions on access to certain areas within a port. As of November 12, 2002 conferees were working to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the legislation. Although both bills cover many of the same issues, there are differences in emphasis. These differences may be largely explained by the timing of the bills. S. 1214 was introduced before September 11, while H.R. 3983 was introduced six months after that date. H.R. 3983 is most concerned with deterring and minimizing damage from a possible terrorist act. S. 1214 is concerned with deterring terrorism, but also with reducing drug smuggling, cargo theft, trade fraud, and illegal alien smuggling. S. 1214 was introduced before the establishment of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in November, 2001 and thus contains no reference to it. H.R. 3983 is post-TSA and calls upon the agency, among other things, to develop an antiterrorism cargo identification and screening system. A side-by-side comparison of selected provisions of S. 1214 and H.R. 3983 is provided in Table 1. Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Levels of Funding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Plans and Programs for Coordinating Seaport Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Provisions to Increase Foreign Seaport Security . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Cargo Security Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Limiting Access to Areas within a Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Role of the Coast Guard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 List of Tables Table 1. Side-by-Side Comparison of Selected Provisions in S. 1214 and H.R. 3983 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Maritime and Port Security: A Comparison of Major Provisions of S. 1214 and H.R. 3983 Introduction The 107th Congress is considering legislation to enhance security at U.S. seaports. The issue is how to tighten control over maritime commerce in a practical manner that does not impede its flow. This report provides a comparison between major provisions in S.1214 - "The Port and Maritime Security Act," and H.R. 3983 - "The Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Act." Senator Hollings introduced S. 1214 on July 20, 2001 and it passed the Senate with an amendment on December 20, 2001. Representative Don Young introduced H.R. 3983 on March 18, 2002 and it passed the House as amended on June 4, 2002. Both houses have named members for a conference committee on the bill. As of November 12, 2002 conferees were working to resolve differences between the House and Senate versions of the legislation. This comparison will focus on five areas of the legislation: federal funding provisions, plans and programs for coordinating seaport security, international maritime security provisions, cargo security provisions, and limitations on access to sensitive areas within a port. A side-by-side comparison of selected provisions of S. 1214 and H.R. 3983 is provided in Table 1. Although both bills cover many of the same issues, there are differences in emphasis. These differences may be largely explained by the timing of the bills. S. 1214 was introduced before September 11, while H.R. 3983 was introduced six months after that date. As the title of H.R. 3983 implies, it is most concerned with deterring and minimizing damage from a possible terrorist act. S. 1214 is concerned with deterring terrorism, but also with reducing drug smuggling, cargo theft, trade fraud, and illegal alien smuggling. S. 1214 was introduced to address security issues raised by the Interagency Commission on Crime and Security in U.S. ports (the Seaport Commission). The Seaport Commission was comprised of representatives from 17 federal agencies and co-chaired by the Maritime Administration (MARAD), Customs Service, and the Justice Department. It reported its findings in the fall of 2000 and found security at U.S. seaports to be generally poor to fair with some exceptions.1 1 The report is available at http://uscg.mil/overview/icssrpt.pdf. CRS-2 S. 1214 was introduced before the establishment of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) in November, 2001 and thus contains no reference to it. H.R. 3983 is post-TSA and calls upon the agency to collect passenger and crew manifest data and to develop and maintain an antiterrorism identification, tracking, and screening system for sea containers. Levels of Funding The funding provisions in S. 1214 are directed more toward specific areas than those in H.R. 3983. The Seaport Commission estimated (before September 11) that enhancing security at U.S. ports would cost between $10 to $50 million per port. S. 1214 would add a new Title XIV to the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 to authorize and provide loan guarantees and grants for port security infrastructure improvements. The loan guarantee regulations would be similar to those that exist under the existing Title XI loan guarantee program for shipbuilding and shipyards. Security infrastructure improvements could include gates, fences, and lighting, surveillance, and video systems. The bill makes available to the Department of Transportation (DOT), subject to appropriation, $9 million annually for FY2003- 2006 for loan guarantee costs and authorizes an additional $26 million annually for the same years. According to a Senate Commerce Committee summary of the legislation, using regular federal credit risk premium calculations, this level of funding could provide up to $700 million annually in loans. For FY2003-2006, the bill provides $10 million in annual grants for seaport security enhancements and authorizes an additional $70 million per year in grants. The bill provides funding to assist the Customs Service. For the purchase of non-intrusive screening and detection equipment for ocean containers, the bill provides from $15 million to $19 million be made available from tonnage tax receipts for each fiscal year 2003-2006. The bill authorizes an additional $20 million each year for this same purpose. For FY2002 only, the bill authorizes $145 million to the Customs Service for 1,200 new customs inspectors, 300 new customs agents, and for purchase of support equipment. The bill provides $1 million each year from FY2003- 2006 to establish shared dockside inspection facilities at seaports. These facilities would be shared by the Customs Service, the Department of Agriculture, and the Coast Guard for inspecting cargo containers. Additional funding is provided for establishing local port security committees, training maritime security professionals, conducting port vulnerability assessments, developing technology for detecting criminal activity, and other items. S. 1214 would extend, through fiscal year 2006, the increase in vessel tonnage duties that was enacted in 1990 by P.L. 101-508. These tonnage duties would be used to partly offset the spending provisions of the bill. H.R. 3983 does not provide loan guarantees for infrastructure improvements. It does provide $83 million in grants to seaports for each of fiscal years 2003 through 2005. Like the grants provided in S. 1214, the federal grant would not exceed 75% CRS-3 of the total cost of a project unless the DOT determines that this requirement should be waved for a particular project. For projects costing less than $25,000, there are no matching requirements in either bill. Both bills require grant applicants to provide the same information to the DOT for evaluating grant proposals. H.R. 3983 includes authorization of appropriations for the Coast Guard. See CRS Report RS20924, Homeland Security: Coast Guard Legislation in the 107th Congress, for further information. Plans and Programs for Coordinating Seaport Security Jurisdiction over U.S. ports is shared by federal, state, and local governments. The federal agencies with the greatest presence at U.S. ports are the Coast Guard, Customs Service, Immigration and Naturalization Service, and the Department of Agriculture. These agencies are included in the President's proposal for a new Department of Homeland Security. A major point of discussion in enhancing seaport security is coordinating the activities of all levels of government, as well as the private sector, to prevent conflict and overlap of responsibilities while improving information sharing among agencies. Both bills call for security plans to be developed at the national, local, and port facility level. Both bills also require vulnerability assessments be conducted at the port level. S. 1214 requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish a "National Maritime Security Advisory Committee." This committee would have up to 21 members appointed by the Secretary and made up of individuals from other departments and agencies in the federal, state, or local government, including law enforcement. The committee would be charged with coordinating seaport security enhancement among local port authorities, keeping them informed of developments in security issues, and providing guidance for awarding loans and grants for security improvements. The committee would disband on September 30, 2005. At the local level, S. 1214 calls for the establishment of "Local Port Security Committees" which would comprise federal, state, and local government officials, law enforcement personnel from all levels of government, port authority personnel, representatives from port labor organizations, and representatives from the private sector. The Coast Guard's existing "Captain-of-the-Port" would be charged with establishing these committees at his/her port of jurisdiction. The Secretary of Transportation would be required to develop standards and procedures for conducting port vulnerability assessments at each port that the Secretary deems appropriate. The Secretary could accept security evaluations already completed during the previous five years. The Local Port Security Committee would review and comment on the port vulnerability assessment. The Local Port Security Committee would also be consulted in the development of Maritime Facility Security Plans. These plans would be submitted by each port authority or waterfront facility operator to the Secretary for approval. The plan would indicate how the overall physical security of the port would be maintained, CRS-4 how access would be controlled to the port and its facilities, the procedures for processing cargo, passengers, and crew, and create evacuation plans in case of an emergency. S. 1214 also calls for the creation of a National Maritime Transportation Security Plan, Area Maritime Security Plans, and Vessel Security Plans. The plans would prescribe procedures for preventing and responding to maritime crimes and terrorism. These plans are very similar to the plans in H.R. 3983 which are described below. H.R. 3983 calls for a "National Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Plan" that is intended to deter and minimize damage from a terrorist act. The plan would assign duties and responsibilities among federal, state, and local government agencies and establish a system of surveillance to safeguard against and provide the earliest possible notice of a terrorist act. At the local level, H.R. 3983 calls for "Area Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Plans" that are intended to deter terrorist acts within the area covered by the plan. The plan would describe the area covered, including populated areas, or areas with special economic, environmental, or national security importance. These plans would be developed by a Coast Guard official designated as the "Federal Maritime Antiterrorism Coordinator" and reviewed and approved by the DOT. H.R. 3983 calls for vulnerability assessments to be conducted at each port the DOT believes have a high risk of a "catastrophic emergency." H.R. 3983 also calls for "Vessel and Facility Antiterrorism Plans." These plans would be prepared by ocean carriers and port facility operators. The plans would describe the training, drills, and antiterrorism actions of vessel or facility personnel to deter terrorism. The plans would identify the individual responsible for implementing antiterrorism actions and the individual who would serve as the point of contact with federal officials. Provisions to Increase Foreign Seaport Security Some maritime security experts have advocated a greater focus on country of origin security rather than limiting security concerns just to U.S. ports of unloading. They view maritime commerce as a global transportation system which can best be secured by preventing a suspicious container from entering the system at the point of origin. They assert that it is too late to discover a dirty nuclear bomb in a sea container when it reaches a U.S. port of unloading. Pushing the borders back is a challenge because most countries, including the United States, have fewer systems in place to examine export cargo than import cargo. Both bills include provisions that would identify foreign ports with U.S. trade ties that have inadequate security and provisions to enhance the scrutiny of ships and cargo arriving from those ports. S. 1214 calls upon the Secretary of Transportation, after consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury, to prohibit or prescribe conditions for vessels arriving from a foreign port it has identified as not secure. In addition, the President can deny entry CRS-5 to vessels arriving from certain foreign ports and suspend trade with certain foreign ports if the President determines that the ports threaten the safety and security of passengers and cargo traveling to or from those ports. The bill also instructs the Secretary of Transportation to report annually to Congress all foreign flag vessels that have arrived in the United States whose vessel registration may be suspect. H.R. 3983, like the Senate bill, also calls upon the DOT to identify foreign ports that pose a security risk to the United States. Specifically, it charges the DOT to identify foreign ports that pose a high risk of introducing terrorism to maritime commerce based on the foreign port's cargo screening capability, the foreign port's restrictions on access to certain areas, and the port's certification of compliance with security standards. If the DOT finds a foreign port's security measures are inadequate, it will inform the foreign government and recommend steps to improve security. If the foreign port fails to take corrective action within 90 days, the DOT can prescribe conditions for ships and cargo entering the United States from those ports. The bill does not specify what these conditions could include. The DOT can deny entry if its conditions are not met. Cargo Security Provisions Provisions to improve the timeliness and accuracy of cargo information submitted by shippers and to improve the physical security of containers themselves are included in both bills. Sea containers have been a primary focus of discussions on port security. About seven million containers arrive at U.S. ports per year. The Customs Service reviews manifest information for anomalies and targets specific containers for physical inspection. It physically inspects about 2% of imported containers. The DOT is also concerned with the security of sea containers. The DOT created a task force to examine marine container security issues in October 2001. In February 2002, the task force submitted a classified report that, according to a DOT press release, made recommendations for improving the quality and timeliness of cargo information that is transmitted to federal agencies and to improve the physical security of the container itself. The DOT inspector general's office announced in February 2002 that it was conducting an audit of the Coast Guard's hazardous materials container inspection program.2 S. 1214 would amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to require a carrier to provide cargo manifest information by electronic transmission in advance of port entry or clearance and in such manner, time, and form as the Secretary of the Treasury prescribes. The bill also requires the Customs Service to be notified of any improperly documented cargo remaining in a port for more than 48 hours. Customs is authorized to seize and search such cargo. The bill would require a pre-arrival electronic transmission of the consignor, consignee, country of origin, and classification code of goods for cargo moving under the "in-bond" system. The Secretaries of Transportation and Treasury would be required to establish a task force to develop a system for tracking containers, possibly through the use of Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, and develop standards for container seals and locks to prevent cargo tampering. 2 More information available at [http://www.oig.dot.gov/item_details.php?item=683]. CRS-6 Vessels entering U.S. waters would be required to submit pre-arrival messages to the Coast Guard in sufficient time for the Coast Guard to review the information for security and safety reasons. H.R. 3983 contains provisions specifically directed towards sea containers. The bill requires the Transportation Security Administration to develop an antiterrorism cargo identification and screening system for containerized cargo. TSA must also develop standards to improve the physical security of the containers themselves, including standards for seals and locks. The bill requires ocean carriers to provide TSA with crew and passenger manifests in advance of a vessel's arrival in the United States. Cargo information must be submitted to the Customs Service in advance of port entry. The Customs Service would consult with other federal agencies in issuing regulations on submitting cargo information and would share cargo information with appropriate federal departments. Limiting Access to Areas within a Port S. 1214 and H.R. 3983 include provisions limiting access to areas within a port. H.R. 3983 specifically mentions development of security cards. The TSA is currently developing a standardized credentialing system for transportation workers in all modes. The cards would use smart card or biometric technologies to securely link the individual to the card.3 S. 1214 requires that the Maritime Facility Security Plan include designation of controlled access areas within a port and limited access to security-sensitive information, such as passenger and cargo manifests. The Secretary of Transportation may prescribe regulations that require physical searches of persons entering certain port areas, security escorts, and background checks for persons granted unrestricted access. Persons granted unrestricted access must not have a felony conviction within the previous seven years or release from prison within the last five years. The Secretary can approve alternative security arrangements for an individual who otherwise would be disqualified from a security-sensitive position. An appeals process will be available for individuals found to be ineligible for employment. H.R. 3983 calls for the DOT to issue "Transportation Security Cards" which will be used in identifying personnel with access to sensitive areas within the port. The DOT can deny cards to individuals it believes pose a terrorism security risk. Denial can be based on the fact that the individual has been convicted of a felony as defined by the Secretary or if the individual would be denied admission to the United States or removed from the United States under the Immigration and Nationality Act. The Secretary can give consideration to any circumstances surrounding a disqualifying act or restitution made by the individual and may consider other factors from which it may be concluded that the individual does not pose a terrorism security risk. An appeals process will be available for individuals found to be ineligible for a security card. 3 More information is available at [http://www.tsa.dot.gov/]. CRS-7 Role of the Coast Guard S. 1214 and H.R. 3983 contain provisions involving the Coast Guard that are nearly identical. In both bills, the Coast Guard is authorized to board vessels with "sea marshals" to deter or respond to acts of terrorism. Both bills also would extend the seaward jurisdiction of the Coast Guard from three miles from shore to 12 miles. For further information on the role of the Coast Guard in homeland security, see CRS Report RS21125, Homeland Security: Coast Guard Operations- Background and Issues for Congress. Table 1 provides a side-by-side comparison of selected provisions of S. 1214 and H.R. 3983. CRS-8 Table 1. Side-by-Side Comparison of Selected Provisions in S. 1214 and H.R. 3983 Topic S. 1214, Port and Maritime Security Act H.R. 3983, Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Act National Maritime Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish a National Maritime No provision. Security Advisory Security Advisory Committee comprised of not more than 21 members Committee appointed by the Secretary. The Committee will establish a law enforcement subcommittee that may include members from the Customs Service and the INS. The Committee may establish other subcommittees and may invite the participation of other federal, state, and local government agencies with expertise in anti-terrorism, port security, and safety issues. The functions of the Committee include advising and making recommendations to the Secretary on long term solutions for maritime security; coordinating operations and information among federal, state, local governments, and area and local port security committees; setting conditions for loan guarantees and grants; developing a National Maritime Transportation Security Plan; protecting port energy transportation facilities; and keeping concerned parties informed about maritime security enhancements. The Committee shall terminate on Sept. 30, 2005. (Sec. 102) Port Vulnerability Requires the Secretary of Transportation to develop standards and Requires the Secretary of Transportation to conduct a port Assessments procedures for conducting initial security evaluations and port vulnerability assessment for each port, including each facility in a vulnerability assessments. The Secretary, in consultation with local port port, for which the Secretary believes there is a high risk of security committees, shall conduct an initial security evaluation of all port catastrophic emergency. A catastrophic emergency is any event authorities and waterfront facilities. For each port the Secretary caused by a terrorist act in the United States or on a vessel sailing to or determines appropriate, the Secretary shall also conduct a port from the United States that may cause a substantial loss of life or vulnerability assessment or accept a previously completed assessment. A major economic disruption. The Secretary can accept previously review and comment period by the local port security committee will be completed assessments. The Secretary shall provide a copy of the available for initial security evaluations and port vulnerability assessment to each owner or operator of a port facility. assessments. (Sec. 70102) (Sec. 103) CRS-9 Topic S. 1214, Port and Maritime Security Act H.R. 3983, Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Act Local Port Security The Secretary of Transportation shall establish a local port security No provision. Committees committee at each port that will meet at least 4 times per year and whose functions include: identifying the unique characteristics of each port for initial security evaluations and vulnerability assessments; annually reviewing local port maritime security plans; and assisting the Coast Guard Captain-of-the-Port in conducting field security exercises at least once every 3 years. Members of the local port security committee may be drawn from an existing local port committee but should include representatives of the port authority; federal, state, and local government; law enforcement agencies; long shore labor unions; and private companies operating at the port such as vessel owners, truckers, shippers, and terminal operators. The Captain-of-the-Port will be chair of each local port security committee. (Sec. 104) Limiting Access to Areas The Secretary of Transportation, after consultation with the Secretary of Individuals are restricted from designated secure areas of a vessel or in a Port the Treasury and Attorney General, shall prescribe regulations to facility unless they hold a transportation security card and are designate controlled access areas within a port and limit access to security authorized to be in that area or are accompanied by someone who sensitive information such as cargo and passenger manifests. The does hold a card. The Secretary of Transportation shall issue a Secretary of Transportation can require physical screening of persons transportation security card to an individual unless the individual has entering/exiting secure areas or require escorts for persons without been convicted of a felony the Secretary believes could be a terrorism credentials. The Secretary can require background checks, including security risk; could be denied admission to the United States under the criminal history, to ensure that persons with unrestricted access do not Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101); or otherwise poses pose a threat. If a person has a conviction within the previous 7 years or a terrorism security risk. The Secretary can give consideration to the was released from prison within the previous 5 years for an offense listed circumstances of a disqualifying act, restitution made by the in this section, the person can be disqualified from working in a security individual, mitigation remedies, and other factors. At the request of sensitive position at a port. The Secretary can accept alternative the Secretary, the Attorney General shall conduct a background arrangements from an employer for an individual that otherwise would be records check of an individual requesting a security card and report disqualified from employment. An appeals process will be established the results to the Secretary. An appeals process will be established for for individuals found to be ineligible and a user fee system created to pay individuals found ineligible for a card. expenses for background checks. (Sec. 70105) (Sec. 106) CRS-10 Topic S. 1214, Port and Maritime Security Act H.R. 3983, Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Act Maritime Domain The Secretary of Transportation shall submit a report to Congress within No provision. Awareness 180 days of enactment of the Act that identifies ways in which multi- agency cooperative efforts can improve U.S. maritime security; methods in which maritime intelligence data can be collected, shared among agencies, and safeguarded; the cost of such a database; the time frame for its development; and other maritime intelligence matters. (Sec. 107) Foreign Port Assessments Requires the Secretary of Transportation to assess the security measures Similar but not identical to Senate bill. The House bill lists criteria a maintained at foreign ports that are engaged in commerce with the United foreign port's security assessment should be based on, such as the States. The assessment shall be conducted in consultation with effectiveness of cargo screening, restrictions on access to certain appropriate foreign authorities, U.S. vessel operators serving that port, areas, security on board the vessels, certification with appropriate and the U.S. Secretary of State and Secretary of the Treasury; and by security standards, and other measures. using International Maritime Organization standards or other (Sec. 70108) internationally recognized security standards. (Sec. 108) Notifying Foreign Requires the Secretary of Transportation, working with the Secretary of Similar to Senate bill but requires the Secretary of Transportation Authorities State, to notify foreign authorities if it finds their port(s) do not maintain (without mentioning the Secretary of State) to notify foreign effective security measures and to recommend steps that will bring it up authorities if it finds their port(s) do not maintain effective security to standard. measures and to recommend steps that will bring it up to standard. (Sec. 108) (Sec. 70109) Actions To Be Taken If a foreign port is not maintaining effective security measures, the If the Secretary of Transportation finds that a foreign port does not When Foreign Ports Are Secretary of Transportation, after consultation with the Secretaries of maintain effective antiterrorism measures, the Secretary may prescribe Not Maintaining State and Treasury, can prescribe conditions (such as refusing entry or conditions for vessels and cargo arriving from that port and deny entry Effective Security inspection) for any vessels or cargo arriving from such port or prohibit if the conditions are not met. vessels from providing transportation from such port to the United States. (Sec. 70110) The President can suspend the right of any U.S. vessel, or any person, to trade with the U.S., or to provide sea transportation if the President finds a condition exists that threatens the safety and security of passengers, vessels, and crew traveling to/from that port, or that public interest requires an immediate suspension of trade with that port. (Sec. 108) CRS-11 Topic S. 1214, Port and Maritime Security Act H.R. 3983, Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Act Travel Advisories The Secretary of Transportation shall issue a travel advisory (and publish No provision. it widely) regarding a port the Secretary has determined does not maintain effective security measures. (Sec. 108) Report on Foreign Flag Requires the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the No provision. Vessels Secretary of State, to report annually to Congress a list identifying all nations whose flag vessels have entered U.S. ports, and specifically those nations that have vessels appearing on the Coast Guard's boarding priority list, have presented false data on manifests and vessel registrations, or have vessel registration regulations making ownership non-transparent. (Sec. 108) Maritime Security Teams Requires the Secretary of Transportation to establish maritime safety and Similar to Senate bill. However teams are referred to as maritime security teams to enhance the domestic maritime security capability of the antiterrorism teams. United States. Their mission is to respond rapidly, deter, and protect (Sec. 70106) against threats. These teams are to coordinate their activities with other law enforcement or emergency response agencies. (Sec. 117) CRS-12 Topic S. 1214, Port and Maritime Security Act H.R. 3983, Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Act National Maritime The Secretary of Transportation shall prepare a national maritime Similar to Senate bill. However the plan is referred to as a national Transportation Security transportation security plan that shall provide for efficient, coordinated, maritime transportation antiterrorism plan. Also calls for a system of Plans and effective action to prevent and respond to acts of maritime crime or surveillance and notice to be established to safeguard against and terrorism. Among other items, the plan shall include allocation of duties provide the earliest possible notice of a catastrophic emergency and and responsibilities among government agencies and port authorities. imminent threats. (Sec. 203) (Sec. 70103) Area Maritime The Secretary of Transportation shall appoint members to an area Similar to Senate bill. However the plans are referred to as area Transportation Security maritime security committee (this committee can be the same as the local maritime transportation antiterrorism plans. Plans port security committee described above). The committee shall prepare (Sec. 70103) an area maritime security plan for its area that will include, among other items, a description of the port area covered by the plan, including areas of population, or areas of special economic, environmental or national security importance. When implemented, the plan shall be adequate to prevent or rapidly respond to an act of crime or terrorism. (Sec. 204) CRS-13 Topic S. 1214, Port and Maritime Security Act H.R. 3983, Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Act Maritime Facility and Requires the Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Requires the owners or operators of a vessel or facility to submit to the Vessel Security Plans Secretary of the Treasury and the Attorney General, to establish Secretary of Transportation an antiterrorism plan. Among other requirements for each port to submit a maritime facility security plan. things, the plan shall identify the person having full authority to The plan shall include: provisions for establishing and maintaining implement antiterrorism actions and the person that serves as point of physical security for port areas; procedural security for processing of contact with federal officials. The plan shall describe the training, passengers, cargo, and crew; a credentialing requirement to limit access periodic drills, and antiterrorism actions to be carried out to deter a to certain areas in a port and to security sensitive information; restrictions catastrophic emergency. on vehicular access and firearms or weapons; evacuation procedures in (Sec. 70103) case of an attack; and other information. These plans will be reviewed and resubmitted at least every 5 years. Interim security measures are required until the maritime facility security plan is approved. (Sec. 105) Other Antiterrorism Plans The Secretary, in coordination with the Director of the FBI, shall ensure The Secretary of Transportation shall cooperate with the Director of that all area maritime counter-terrorism and incident contingency plans the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure that are reviewed every 3 years. Simulation exercises shall be conducted federal, state, and local terrorism response resources are coordinated annually and practice drills conducted at least every 3 years. with the Director's terrorism response plan for U.S. ports and (Sec. 109) waterways. (Sec. 70104) CRS-14 Topic S. 1214, Port and Maritime Security Act H.R. 3983, Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Act Submitting Cargo Requires that every land, air, or vessel carrier that is required to make Requires that every land, air, or vessel carrier that is required to make Information to Federal entry or obtain U.S. customs clearance to provide by electronic entry or obtain U.S. customs clearance to provide by electronic Agencies transmission cargo manifest information in advance of entry and in such transmission cargo manifest information in advance of entry and in manner, time, and form as the Secretary of the Treasury shall prescribe. such manner, time, and form as the Secretary of the Treasury shall The Act lists various cargo data elements that shall be included. prescribe. In issuing such regulations, the Secretary of the Treasury shall consult with other federal agencies, such as the Department of Requires the U.S. Customs Service to improve reporting procedures for Transportation, Department of Justice, and Department of Defense. "in-bond" movement of goods. Customs may require that shipment The Secretary of the Treasury shall also share cargo information with information such as the consignor, consignee, country of origin, and the other federal agencies. Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the 6-digit classification code be (Sec. 108) electronically submitted prior to the arrival of the cargo at the initial port of unlading. This information shall be to the best of the filer's knowledge and shall not be considered the "entry" for the goods. Requires shippers exporting cargo from a U.S. port to submit a complete set of shipping documents to the carrier or its agent no later than 24 hours after the cargo is delivered to the port. Shipping documents may include a shipper's export declaration, bill of lading, shipping instructions, or other documents the Secretary of the Treasury prescribes. Any cargo left at a marine terminal for more than 48 hours without proper documentation is subject to search, seizure, and forfeiture. (Sec. 115) Submitting Crew and Requires the owner or operator of any air, land, or vessel carrier destined Requires the operator of each commercial vessel destined for the Passenger Information for a U.S. port to electronically transmit prior to entry or clearance as United States to electronically submit to the TSA prior to the vessel's required by U.S. customs laws the full name, date of birth, citizenship, arrival a passenger and crew manifest. The manifest shall contain gender, passport number, visa number, and other information for every similar information as in the Senate bill. person arriving or departing the United States. (Sec. 70111) (Sec. 115) The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Attorney General, may require the crew of vessels calling at U.S. ports to carry and present such identification as the Secretary prescribes. (Sec. 208) CRS-15 Topic S. 1214, Port and Maritime Security Act H.R. 3983, Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Act Container Identification Requires the Secretaries of Transportation and Treasury to establish a The TSA shall develop and maintain an antiterrorism cargo and Container Physical task force with shippers and ocean carriers to develop standards for identification and screening system for containerized cargo. Security tracking containers, by using GPS or other systems, and especially for containerized cargo moving "in-bond." The TSA shall develop performance standards to enhance the physical security of containers, such as seals and locks. Requires the development of standards for anti-tampering devices for (Sec. 70103e) containers, such as seals and locks. (Sec. 207) CRS-16 Topic S. 1214, Port and Maritime Security Act H.R. 3983, Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Act Funding Provisions Creates a new loan guarantee program (Title XIV would be added to the Authorizes $83 million in grants, for each fiscal year 2003 - 2005 for Merchant Marine Act of 1936) for port security infrastructure enhanced facility security, to implement a maritime antiterrorism plan improvements. These improvements could be equipment or facilities or interim measure. Federal funds for any project shall not exceed used for security monitoring and recording, gates and fencing, lighting 75% of the total cost of the project, unless the project's total cost is systems, surveillance systems, video systems, or other items. Guarantees less than $25,000 or the Under Secretary of the TSA determines that a would be limited to 87.5% of the cost of the project, the economic different matching requirement is warranted for a particular project. soundness of the applicant will be considered, and other limitations as Among other requirements, a project proposal must include a prescribed under the existing Title XI loan guarantee program for ship description of its relationship to the area maritime antiterrorism plan. building. For guaranteed loan costs (as defined by the Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990), $9 million shall be made available from tonnage Authorizes $4 million in maritime security training grants. tax receipts for each fiscal year 2003 - 2006 and an additional $26 million (Sec. 70107) is authorized to be appropriated each fiscal year 2003 - 2006. The Secretary of Transportation may provide grants for enhancing the physical security of ports. Federal funds for any project shall not exceed 75% of the total cost of the project, unless the project's total cost is less than $25,000 or the Secretary determines that a different matching requirement is warranted for a particular project. From tonnage tax receipts, $10 million shall be made available each year for grants and an additional $70 million is authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year 2002 - 2006. (Sec. 111) For FY2002, $145 million is authorized for the U.S. Customs Service for 1,200 new customs inspectors, 300 new customs agents, and for other personnel and security equipment. For the purchase of non-intrusive screening and detection equipment for U.S. Customs, between $15 to $19 million is to be made available from tonnage tax receipts for each fiscal year 2003 - 2006. Additionally, $20 million is authorized to be appropriated for each fiscal year 2003 - 2006 for the purchase of this equipment. (Sec. 112) The Secretary of Transportation, in consultation with the Secretaries of Treasury, Agriculture, and the Attorney General, will establish shared dockside inspection facilities at U.S. ports and shall have available $1 CRS-17 Topic S. 1214, Port and Maritime Security Act H.R. 3983, Maritime Transportation Antiterrorism Act Submitting Pre-arrival Requires vessels destined for U.S. ports to submit a pre-arrival message Requires vessels destined for U.S. ports to notify the Coast Guard no Messages to Coast Guard to the Coast Guard containing any information that the Coast Guard later than 96 hours before the vessel's arrival and supply information determines to be necessary for the control of the vessel and the safety and as prescribed by the Coast Guard. security of the port. The message must be transmitted in sufficient time The Coast Guard can deny a vessel's entry for failure to comply. to permit review before the vessel's entry into port. The Coast Guard can (Sec. 102) deny a vessel's entry for failure to comply. (Sec. 116) Sea Marshals Program The Coast Guard may dispatch Coast Guard personnel aboard vessels and Nearly identical to Senate bill. facilities to deter and respond to acts of terrorism. The Coast Guard shall (Sec. 106) report to Congress on the potential of using non Coast Guard personnel to supplement the Coast Guard in this function. (Sec. 202) Extension of Seaward Extends the territorial jurisdiction of the United States from 3 miles to 12 Identical to Senate bill. Jurisdiction miles off shore. (Sec. 103) (Sec. 119) Vessel Identification No provision. Requires vessels to be equipped with a position indicating transponder System while operating in the waters of the United States. Vessels built after Dec. 31, 2002 must have this equipment while vessels built before this date must have this equipment by Dec. 31, 2004. (Sec. 107) Maritime Security Requires the Secretary of Transportation to develop standards and Provides grants for developing a maritime security education program Training curriculum for the training and certification of maritime security at merchant marine academies. professionals. (Sec. 110) Extension of Deepwater Would amend the Deepwater Port Act of 1974 (33 U.S.C. 1501) to Similar to Senate bill. Port Act to Natural Gas include offshore natural gas facilities. (Sec. 6) (Sec. 201) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ For other versions of this document, see http://wikileaks.org/wiki/CRS-RL31424