Security At US Ports Still Worthless

December 20th, 2006

Washington, D.C. - Mandatory security standards for cargo are recommended for the United States' 361 seaports and security is still failing according to a report out yesterday from a port security task force.

Mandatory security standards for cargo are recommended for the United States' 361 seaports and security is still failing according to a report out yesterday from a port security task force.

The task force also suggested the creation of a national director of port and cargo security to report to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.

In an attempt to keep intruders out of port facilities, the panel urged the continued development of a program to provide employees with credentials.

New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine, whose state has repeatedly called for more federal support for its port security, said the ports of New York and New Jersey bring in some $100 billion worth of goods each year.

"It is more than these containers, it is that whole supply chain that exposes our society, and we need to make sure that we are doing everything that is possible," Corzine said reports the AP.