Austin News

U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX), Tom Carper (D-DE), James Lankford (R-OK), and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) have announced that their legislation to create a pilot program for the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program has passed the House and is now headed to President Biden's desk.

"In order for America to remain competitive in global markets, we must ensure our ports are open, efficient, and secure," said Sen. Cornyn. "This legislation would allow additional trusted trading partners to expedite shipments important to Texas’ economy while protecting against illegal goods and national security threats, and I urge the President to swiftly sign it into law."

Sen. Carper expressed his support by stating, "I am proud that the bipartisan Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) Pilot Program Act passed in the House. This commonsense bill will improve the reliability and efficiency of our supply chains in expediting the customs clearance process for trusted merchants. When President Biden signs this bill into law, the CTPAT Pilot Program will help reduce congestion at ports of entry and strengthen our national security."

"America’s supply chain security is essential to keeping food on the table and businesses up and running," said Sen. Lankford. "This bill will create a new pilot program to strengthen standards for border security while streamlining our trade with other nations, and I look forward to seeing it become law in the days ahead."

"This bipartisan bill offers a commonsense approach that will both protect our national security and strengthen our supply chains," said Sen. Hassan. "I’m pleased that it will now head to the President’s desk, as we continue to work together to help U.S. businesses thrive and outcompete the world."

The legislation was introduced in the House by Representatives Morgan Luttrell (TX-08), Elissa Slotkin (MI-07), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01), and Robert Menendez (NJ-08).

CTPAT was created as part of the SAFE Port Act of 2006 to support secure cross-border trade through a fast-track customs clearance process for trusted merchants who voluntarily submit themselves to enhanced security screening measures. The new legislation aims to establish a pilot program allowing up to 20 trusted non-asset-based and asset-based third-party logistic providers (3PLs) to become CTPAT certified. These carrier companies would work with Customs and Border Protection by meeting additional security requirements and participating in inspections throughout cargo transit.

###