President Bush has signed into law a bill which among other things mandates that all US-bound containers must be screened at port of shipment. Known as the 9/11 Commission Recommendations Act, the bill was approved by Congress on July 27 and was signed into law by Bush on August 3.
“This legislation builds upon the considerable progress we have made in strengthening our defences and protecting Americans since the attacks of September 11,” said Bush. The bill proposes sweeping changes to security regulations by wrapping new requirements for maritime, air and railroads into a single measure.
Congressional Democrats have been lauding the bill's passage, but provisions affecting freight and cargo have prompted much criticism from both within and without the shipping industry who fear that the law may dramatically impede the flow of commerce.
The most controversial aspect of the bill is a mandated 100% scanning of all maritime cargo containers entering the US for nuclear devices by 2012.
The measure requires US-bound containers to be screened at foreign ports using “non-intrusive imaging equipment and radiation detection equipment” before being loaded.
Reports say that X-ray and radiation monitors would most likely be employed to scan the containers, though it is ultimately up to the Homeland Security secretary to set the threshold for the type of equipment that is used.
“This legislation builds upon the considerable progress we have made in strengthening our defences and protecting Americans since the attacks of September 11,” said Bush. The bill proposes sweeping changes to security regulations by wrapping new requirements for maritime, air and railroads into a single measure.
Congressional Democrats have been lauding the bill's passage, but provisions affecting freight and cargo have prompted much criticism from both within and without the shipping industry who fear that the law may dramatically impede the flow of commerce.
The most controversial aspect of the bill is a mandated 100% scanning of all maritime cargo containers entering the US for nuclear devices by 2012.
The measure requires US-bound containers to be screened at foreign ports using “non-intrusive imaging equipment and radiation detection equipment” before being loaded.
Reports say that X-ray and radiation monitors would most likely be employed to scan the containers, though it is ultimately up to the Homeland Security secretary to set the threshold for the type of equipment that is used.