Doug Ose: “Today, I rise to discuss Mr. Rohrabacher's Amendment (No. 1) to the Water Resources Development Act of 2003 (H.R. 2557).…”

“Today, I rise to discuss Mr. Rohrabacher's Amendment (No. 1) to the Water Resources Development Act of 2003 (H.R. 2557). This amendment is well intended since it seeks to find a way to provide additional funds for needed port security improvements. It permits seaports to impose fees to be collected on a per container basis to be used for port security. On May 21, 2003, after holding a hearing on port security, with my Government Reform Subcommittee Ranking Member John Tierney, I introduced a bi-partisan bill, entitled the ``Port Security Improvements Act of 2003'' (H.R. 2193). Our bill takes a different approach. To date, Congress has provided extensive Federal funding to fully ensure air security. In contrast, Congress has not provided sufficient Federal funding to fully ensure port security. Currently, the U.S. Customs Bureau collects $15.6 billion in duties on commodities entering the U.S. through marine transportation. Our bill dedicates a portion of these duties for five years toward port security enhancements. In addition, our bill reflects other recommendations from our witnesses.”