Democrats renew push for screening of all cargo

Two Democrats said Tuesday that they will offer amendments to the maritime security bill being debated on the Senate floor that would require all cargo to be scanned before it reaches U.S. shores. The effort renews a battle with Republicans over the feasibility of such a mandate.

Amendments requiring scanning of all cargo have become one of the main political battles in the Senate over the bill. Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J., said he is crafting an amendment that will "emphasize the 100-percent scanning feature." Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said he would offer an amendment requiring the Bush administration to create a three-layered system for scanning, with companies paying the cost.

Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairwoman Susan Collins, R-Maine, circulated a memorandum Tuesday arguing that 100 percent scanning of cargo "is a recipe for crippling our manufacturing and commerce, wasting time and money that could be better used for other measures, and adding little to our homeland security."

The memo said the process would impose delays and create backlogs at ports. She said the bill as currently drafted would improve the systems and programs the Homeland Security Department currently uses to screen container data and determine which should be inspected.

The bill, however, already includes language saying that an integrated scanning system should be implemented as soon as "possible and practicable" to scan all containers before U.S. arrival. The bill also would require Homeland Security to establish test programs at three foreign ports to evaluate technology and the feasibility of scanning all cargo.

An aide to Collins said she remains committed to the language in the bill.

"If the pilot projects are successful, integrated scanning would be extended to all containers," Collins said in the memo. "Requiring 100 percent container scanning before efficient and effective technologies are proven in pilot projects would be an irresponsible gesture that would inflict great damage to our economy without producing significant security benefits."

Lautenberg expressed concern that Republicans might move to weaken the bill's provision on scanning. He also tried to draw Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff into the debate at a hearing Tuesday, asking the secretary if 100-percent scanning would be worthwhile or would destroy commerce.

Chertoff was noncommittal. He said he could not give a blanket answer, explaining that the impact would depend on how cargo is transferred through a port.

He added that deploying integrated scanning systems at ports also depends on each port's configuration and agreements with foreign governments to deal with containers that need further inspection. Chertoff conceded that more scanning abroad would make the United States safer.

Collins' aide said the senator "will oppose any efforts on the Senate floor that would require 100-percent scanning."

Two leading industry associations also oppose amendments to that end. In letters to Collins, the World Shipping Council and Retail Industry Leaders Association urged her to oppose such amendments, saying they are unrealistic and would impede the flow of commerce.