Sheila Jackson Lee: “As a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee, I rise in support of H.R. 2786, the ``Cross-Border Rail Security…”

“As a senior member of the Homeland Security Committee, I rise in support of H.R. 2786, the ``Cross-Border Rail Security Act of 2015,'' which directs U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to report to Congress on its inspection of high-risk shipments entering the United States by rail. Specifically, H.R. 2786 requires the CBP to report on the following matters related to homeland security: the number of high-risk rail shipments annually entering the country; the status of radiation detection units at each border rail crossing; and an assessment of whether additional radiation detection equipment is necessary. The bill also requires CBP to develop a plan for ensuring that all relevant CBP personnel receive adequate training and guidance on the proper use of CBP's Automated Targeting System for such shipments, and in the use of appropriate radiation detection equipment for shipment examination, and requirements for recording examination results. H.R. 2786 bill also requires the General Accountability Office to periodically audit CBP operations at rail crossings on borders to ensure rail shipments are targeted, examined, and the examination results are well documented. Mr. Speaker, this bill is good for our nation and for my congressional district, which is centered in Houston, Texas.…”