The House on Monday approved legislation led by U.S. Rep. Martha McSally (R-AZ) to update a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) security program for the first time in 11 years in order to strengthen protections for the global supply chain against terrorist attacks.
The Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program, an important part of the CBP’s cargo enforcement strategy, would be codified, reauthorized and modernized under McSally’s bill. C-TPAT is a public-private sector partnership program that works to reinforce international supply chains and improve United States border security, CBP said.
“In the past 11 years, our economy has become more global while terrorists have become more sophisticated,” McSally said. “C-TPAT is an innovative solution that boosts our national security while benefiting our economy. This highly successful program enhances cross-border commerce, reduces wait times and inspections for pre-vetted companies at our overburdened and undermanned ports of entry, and boosts our global supply chain’s national security.”
More than 11,400 certified partners spanning the entire trade community have been accepted into the program since its creation in 2001, according to CBP. Partners include U.S. importers and exporters, U.S., Mexico and Canada highway carriers and manufacturers and rail and sea carriers, among others.
The Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006 provided a statutory framework for the C-TPAT program. While that set a strong foundation for the success of C-TPAT, McSally said her legislation would make important updates to the program.
In addition to codifying the current C-TPAT structure, McSally’s bill would make improvements by requiring the CBP to consult with industry stakeholders when establishing and implementing new security criteria. It also aims to reduce redundant inspections on pre-vetted cargo, and allows the CBP to suspend or expel participants from the program if they don’t meet security requirements.
A framework would also be established under the legislation, with congressional oversight, to continually vet participants to ensure they are complying with security measures.
“These important upgrades reflect our modern world, and I am thankful the House acted in bipartisan support of my bill,” McSally said.