By Ron Thaniel
October 21, 2002

As U.S.MAYOR goes to press, House and Senate negotiators broke an impasse Thursday over a bill to tighten security at the nation's ports. The legislation would require ports, facilities and vessels to develop terrorists response plans with port authorities in conjunction with the Coast Guard, and set up local port security committees to coordinate among state, local and federal authorities.

Negotiators reached a tentative deal after Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Chairman Ernest F. Hollings (SC) dropped his plan to pay for the bill through an extension of tonnage duties or a new cargo user fee.

The measure also would require the Transportation Department to develop secure areas at ports, conduct background checks of port workers and require identification cards.

Senator Hollings said the bill's need was underscored by the recent terrorist attack on a French oil tanker near a Yemeni port and the economic impact of a West Coast port dispute. Senator Hollings stated: "The dire consequences of a terrorist event at our ports — in human lives and economic disruption — would be devastating. Completion of this legislation represents a significant step forward for the nation's security."

The full Senate and the House must approve the measure.

The U.S. Conference of Mayors called on many of the measures in the negotiated port security bill reached yesterday immediately after the horrific September 11 attacks. A complete list of port security recommendations can be found in the U.S. Conference of Mayors- National Action Plan For Safety and Security In America's Cities at http://www.usmayors.org.