Bob Menendez: “What we are calling for is to move forward to implement 100 percent scanning of all the cargo containers entering the…”

“What we are calling for is to move forward to implement 100 percent scanning of all the cargo containers entering the United States. This, 5 years later--5 years later--in understanding the realities of a post- September 11 world. Last year this body took action to secure a long overlooked vulnerability in our Nation's security. We passed the SAFE Port Act, which made significant progress toward improving security in our ports. But the fact remains that until we know what is in every cargo container entering our ports, we cannot definitively say we are secure. Because of our action in the SAFE Port Act, the Department of Homeland Security is now conducting a pilot project to implement 100 percent scanning of cargo at six ports. That is a crucial first step. However, reaching 100 percent scanning should not be a far-off goal but something we should be doing as quickly and as urgently as possible. When it comes to the security of our ports, we should not be comfortable with baby steps.”