DHS Assessment of 100 Percent Scanning Submissions Underway
The Department of Homeland Security received and is now reviewing 25 submissions in response to a request for information on risk reduction approaches to nuclear threats at foreign ports, said Alan Bersin, assistant secretary for International Affairs at DHS. The…
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Aug. 18 letter (here) came in response to an industry letter to DHS calling for a congressional review of the 100 percent scanning on U.S.-bound maritime cargo containers that's required by law (see 1606210024). That requirement, which allows for DHS to delay implementation by two years as needed, has been pushed back several times, most recently in May (see 1605310028). When DHS notified Congress that it would again delay implementation, it also sought information on new strategies to address radiological and nuclear threats at foreign ports. DHS plans to hold further discussions with respondents in the fall and then "seek to test viable solutions in real-world environments," it said. While largely not addressing the request that DHS seek further congressional review of the statute, Bersin said DHS is similarly worried that implementation without "appropriate technological systems" could impede global commerce. "While further extension of the deadline is necessary, the Department is committed to advancing the law's primary objective of protection the National against radiological and nuclear threats," he said.