Opinion: More seaport security

Congress made the nation's seaports only marginally safer with Thursday's compromise security bill. The biggest achievements of the legislation -- requiring ports to craft security plans and increase on-site patrols -- expose how far behind most ports are in addressing modern security threats. The legislation is a valuable planning tool, for it focuses local and federal efforts, but Congress needs to commit much more money over time for the measure to have a real effect.

The bill is a shell of the legislation Senate Democrats tried to pass for an entire year. Congressional Republicans did the nation a disservice by refusing to fund the effort adequately. The bill stalled in a House-Senate conference for months because Republican leaders objected to a reasonable fee on cargo and passengers to fund the improvements. The bill would have funded $3.2-billion worth of security enhancements over six years; the stripped-down version Congress sent to the president provides only $90-million over that same period. Another $33-million will go to train security personnel.

This capitulation to manufacturers and the shipping industry, which opposed the fees, is dangerous policy. U.S. Sen. Bob Graham of Florida, the Intelligence Committee chairman and one of the leading sponsors of the port legislation, said most foreign terrorist organizations have capabilities to launch sea-borne attacks. "There is a clear pattern of vulnerability at our seaports and through the cargo containers which they deliver," he said.

The legislation does require the nation's 361 commercial seaports to develop comprehensive security plans, toughens the oversight of vessels and crews operating in U.S. waters and authorizes grants to pay for more security officers and screening equipment at port facilities.

Assessing the vulnerability of our ports is a logical first step, and having the Coast Guard coordinate this effort inspires hope that the seaports can avoid the sort of turf battles that plagued the introduction of new airport security measures. The Coast Guard also will develop contingencies for responding to an attack. The Transportation Department will assess antiterrorism measures maintained by foreign ports. Reviewing security protocols overseas is vital, for 95 percent of U.S. foreign trade passes through our seaports.

The Bush administration should make seaport security a priority in next year's budget. Florida's ports already have taken more security steps than those in most states. But, as Graham notes, "the security of our border is a national responsibility." Americans have shown their willingness to pay new fees to beef up airport security. The seaports are just as vulnerable; the only difference is they haven't been hit. The nation should act to make it less likely that they will be.

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