[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 49 (Friday, April 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    PORT SECURITY GRANT ACT OF 2013

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JANICE HAHN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 12, 2013

  Ms. HAHN. Mr. Speaker, each day, U.S. ports move both imports and 
exports totaling some $3.8 billion worth of goods through all 50 
States. Additionally, ports move 99.4 percent of overseas cargo volume 
by weight and generate $3.95 trillion in international trade. Given the 
importance of ports to our national economy, they must remain 
competitive and secure.
  Thus, we must remain vigilant and make sure we are giving States the 
resources necessary, so they can address the constant security threats 
that continue to loom at our Nation's ports. Whether its scanning 
foreign cargo for nuclear material or patrolling essential waterways, 
port security has become increasingly important as we expand into a 
21st century global economy. However, funding for these efforts 
continue to be a challenge as maritime security continue to expand and 
broaden with ever-evolving threats. Additionally, the economic downturn 
has forced cash-strapped States to cut funding for these vital security 
initiatives.
  That is why I am reintroducing the Port Security Grant Act, which 
will extend the Port Security Grant Program through 2017. The Port 
Security Grant Act addresses these problems by allowing States to 
receive the Federal funding they need in order to secure their vital 
ports of entry. The program authorizes up to $400 million for States to 
train personnel, expand port recovery and resiliency capabilities, and 
increase their capacity to detect, respond to, and recover from attacks 
involving explosive devices.
  However, Congress has failed to extend this vital program beyond 
2015. By not extending this program, we endanger the critical progress 
that has been made in port security and increase the overall risk to 
our national and economic security.
  By passing this bill, we will ensure that States continue to receive 
the funding they need in order to protect our Nation's gateways to the 
rest of the world.

                          ____________________