U.S. Rep. Laurel Lee (R-FL) introduced legislation recently that aims to create a collaborative approach to securing trade and travel, as well as strengthening security the nations seaports.
The legislation, The CBP Securing Ports and America’s Commerce and Economy (SPACE) Act, would allow U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to enter into leases for operational space at seaports and other facilities in order to eliminate enforcement gaps caused by lack of infrastructure, and improves coordination between CBP and port authorities. Lee was joined in introducing the measure by U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA), as well as the bill’s original cosponsors – U.S. Reps. Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Julia Brownley (D-CA), and Troy Carter (D-LA).
“Our nation’s seaports are not only critical to our economy, but they are key points of entry that must be secured,” Lee said. “This bill is a straightforward, bipartisan solution that alleviates the burden placed on private seaports by CBP’s recent equipment demands. This bill will ensure the obligations placed on seaports are fair, transparent, and help support safe, lawful trade and travel.”
Currently, CBP officers face challenges operating at many seaports due to temporary or makeshift facilities. Legal constraints on outdated legislation prevent CBP from securing long-term leases, officials with Lee’s office said. The CBP SPACE Act would resolve the issue by granting CBP the authority to directly lease space from the port authorities or private entities.
“Florida’s ports, such as Port Manatee in my district, are vital to our economy, supporting thousands of jobs and keeping goods flowing across the country,” Buchanan said. “Yet our seaports are being forced to absorb outrageous costs for Customs and Border Protection expenses, including demands for equipment that often goes completely unused. The CBP SPACE Act is a commonsense fix that allows existing customs fees to cover these costs, relieving the burden on local ports and protecting jobs.”