House advances bill strengthening security of inland waters

The U.S. House of Representatives recently voted to advance a bipartisan bill that strengthens the security of inland waters.

Under the Inland Waters Security Review Act, the Department of Homeland Security secretary would be required to conduct an inland waters threat analysis that includes security challenges at U.S. inland waters port; security mitigation efforts on inland waters; current and potential criminal threats posed by individuals and groups; vulnerabilities related to the cooperation between state, local, tribal, and territorial law enforcement, or international agreements; and metrics and performance measures used by the department to evaluate inland waters security.

Technology, personnel, geography, and the roles of law enforcement would be considered regarding inland waters security.

“Maritime security is a critical component of our nation’s homeland security,” U.S. Rep. Debbie Lesko (R-AZ), the Transportation and Maritime Security Subcommittee’s top Republican, said. “Inland waterways, such as the Colorado River in Arizona, are important factors that must be considered as we conduct a thorough review of our homeland security. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to quickly pass this legislation to protect our inland waters and better secure our nation.”

The analysis would be provided to several congressional committees. The majority of the report would be unclassified, but portions may remain sealed.