McSally bill to reauthorize Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism advances committee

A bill, authored by U.S. Rep. Martha McSally (R-AZ), that aims to protect global supply chains against terrorist activities by reauthorizing and modernizing the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) recently advanced the House Homeland Security Committee.

First established as part of the Safe Port Act of 2006, C-TPAT works by having companies voluntarily partner with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to strengthen security measures throughout their supply chain, identify security vulnerabilities and implement a variety of security measures.

McSally’s bill specifically codifies the structure of the current program and ensures that it remains a reciprocal partnership between CBP and the private sector.

The legislation also requires CBP to work with industry stakeholders before implementing new security criteria, reduces redundant inspection on pre-vetted cargo, and established a process for CBP to continuously vet participants and review their security measures — all with an added layer of Congressional oversight.

In testimony before the House Homeland Security Committee, McSally highlighted how the program works to intercept potential terrorist contraband by ensuring each business meets a high level of security standards.

“Reducing wait times and inspections for participants who enhance the global supply chain greatly enhances cross border trade and economic growth while reducing the workload on the already overworked officers of CBP,” McSally said. “C-TPAT achieves this in a way that also strengthens our national security through rigorous initial and recurrent background checks and site visits.”