Port security bill approved by Senate

The Senate on Tuesday passed a port security bill that includes various technology provisions.

The bill, S. 2279, would emphasize evaluating current security systems for deficiencies and would require the Homeland Security Department to recommend how to address problems.

It also would authorize $35 million each year from fiscal 2005 through fiscal 2009 for the Homeland Security science and technology directorate to promote research and development on port security.

The bill lists possible areas of research, including detection of explosives, chemical, biological and radiological agents and materials; tags and seals for tracking shipping containers; tools such as satellite tracking systems for identifying potential terrorist threats; applications for applying technologies from other sectors to ports; and better container design, including blast-resistant material.

The directorate would have to report on its activities annually.