(Reuters) U.S. must tighten port security: panel

[Eugene]

U.S. must tighten port security: panel

By Jon Hurdle
1 hour, 11 minute ago

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - The United States must guard against a terrorist
attack by tightening port security, with shippers paying fees to finance
the increased scrutiny, a task force recommended on Monday.

The panel of government and business leaders, acting on behalf of the
country's 361 commercial ports, called for new federal laws to ensure all
cargo is inspected and said every regulated port should implement a risk-
management plan.

-snip-

"The federal government must realize the vulnerabilities that our ports face
and work with us to identify new ways to reduce risks," said Anthony Coscia,
chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, who set up the
panel.

The group urged the creation of a national director of port and cargo security,
to be appointed by President George W. Bush and to report to Homeland Security
Secretary Michael Chertoff.

-snip-

Full article: http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20061218/us_nm/usa_security_ports_dc

[Drum]

1. Sounnds like an excellent item for Congress's "First 100 Hours" doesn't it? nt

[babylonsister]

2. I think Pelosi has already introduced this idea, or one similar. nt