Bush Signs Port Security Legislation

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resident Bush signed on Friday new legislation to increase security at U.S. ports, the Associated Press reported.

The SAFE Port Act provides funds for hiring about 1,000 new security agents to screen containers, $400 million a year for the Port Security Grant program and includes a provision that would require all holders of U.S. commercial driver’s licenses to be United States citizens with valid social security numbers, AP said.

Also included are the details of the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, a public-private initiative that encourages private sector shippers to internally bolster their security in return for such benefits as faster processing at U.S. ports, AP reported.

In addition, the new legislation requires the Department of Homeland Security to establish provisions for the speedy resumption of U.S. trade in the event of attacks on the nation’s ports and waterways, AP said.