A conference at the University of Rhode Island last week made clear that we still have a long way to go before our ports are safe.
The conference, a meeting of the Global G8 Consortium, a group of eight universities from around the world working to improve international trade, pointed out a number of obstacles to our security. About $1 trillion worth of cargo arrived at U.S. ports during the 2005 fiscal year, yet port controls are inconsistent at best.
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Many technologies are being discussed – and used – to improve port security, from radio-frequency identification to radiation screening. Despite spending on security, however, there is not as great a sense of urgency in Washington as there should be.
Both Senators Lincoln Chafee and Jack Reed have supported port security investments, including the GreenLane Maritime Cargo Security Act. The legislation is a good step forward. But until our ports are as secure as they can be, it is not enough.
