And do you think we effectively do that?

I want to ask you something, because I have been concerned, as I think many people know, because I introduced a bill in response to the administration not waiving the Jones Act immediately after the oil spill.

The maritime transportation system in the United States is a vital asset to our Nation's economy, employing more than 13 million workers.

It has been almost 4 years since this committee passed port security legislation, which became the SAFE Port Act of 2006.

The Port of Houston continues to rank first in the country in U.S. imports, first in foreign waterborne tonnage.

With the capability to do the transfers away from the ports?

There is a disconnect between what we read and see, versus seeming like we're not making the maximum use.

Mr. Chairman, thank you for holding today's hearing on port security, a critical element of our Nation's national security efforts.

Clearly, our Nation's economy and the flow of commerce can be affected significantly by an unforeseen event, which I am concerned we are not adequately prepared.

The Brookings Institution estimated that a detonated weapon of mass destruction at an American port could cost $1 trillion to the national economy.

Thank you.