Legislation will streamline international trade, strengthen border security, and strengthen U.S. supply chains
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Elissa Slotkin’s (MI-08) Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) Pilot Program Act, which will cut red tape for companies transporting goods across our borders, passed out of the House Committee on Homeland Security yesterday with bipartisan support. The bill will create a pilot program to allow more freight and warehouse companies to participate in Customs and Border Patrol’s (CBP) CTPAT program.
Through partnership between supply chain leaders and the federal government, the CTPAT program expedites freight through the country, reducing disruptions in international trade and supply-chains while keeping the border secure.
The legislation is being led by Rep. Elissa Slotkin (MI-08) and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02). Its Senate companion was introduced by Sen. Cornyn, alongside Sens. Carper, Menendez, Hassan, Lankford, and Scott — and passed the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee with bipartisan support.
“Big news for Michigan’s supply chains and small businesses: we’re expanding “PreCheck for freight,” so that more cargo can move more quickly from Canada and the U.S.,” said Slotkin. “Built to be bipartisan, this legislation also beefs up our border security by requiring participating businesses to meet minimum physical and cyber security standards. And by reducing disruptions in our supply-chains, we can ensure that our plants and factories are getting the critical supplies they need to keep their doors open and to grow.”
“We should be doing everything we can to support trade policies that improve our economy and bolster our supply chains. Strengthening the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program is an excellent first step,” said Miller-Meeks. “We must guarantee that America remains competitive in global markets and by ensuring more supply chain partners can participate in the CTPAT program, we will have a strong economy and enhance our national security.”
“I want to thank Representatives Slotkin and Miller-Meeks for their tireless effort on H.R.6826. These members of Congress, on a bipartisan basis, are putting together solutions, not creating more problems. This effort will go to harden our supply chain, expedite freight, and grow the business of 3PLs and freight brokers in their respective districts. The legislation faces no opposition and should swiftly be put on President Biden’s desk for signature,” said Transportation Intermediaries Association President and CEO Anne Reinke.
"Third-party logistics providers (3PLs) are a critical link in international supply chains. The International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) applauds Representatives Slotkin and Miller-Meeks for recognizing this with their introduction of the CTPAT Pilot Program Act. This legislation is an important step to finally allowing 3PLS to participate in CTPAT. 3PLs are eager to demonstrate their adherence to CTPAT security criteria. Compliant supply chains are good for the trade and good for this nation's security. We stand ready to work to gain passage of the CTPAT Pilot Program Act,’ said the International Warehouse Logistics Association.
CTPAT benefits for supply chain companies include:
- Access to dedicated Free and Secure Trade (FAST) Lanes at the land borders
- Shorter wait times at the border
- Business resumption priority following a natural disaster or terrorist attack
- Reduced number of CBP examinations, and possible exemptions
- Assignment of a Supply Chain Security Specialist to the company
- Participating companies have to complete supply chain security profiles, where they are assessed by CBP on a number of minimum security criteria categories, including physical, cyber, transport, agricultural, risk assessment, personnel, and access control.
Original source can be found here.
