The legislative mandate to scan 100 percent of oceangoing cargo bound for the United States without additional resources could actually reduce security, according to a report released by the Government Accountability Office on Monday.
The 2007 9/11 Act requires the Homeland Security Department's Customs and Border Protection directorate to scan 100 percent of U.S.-bound cargo by 2012, with possible exceptions for specific seaports. According to the report, the requirement could redirect the current focus on high-risk containers.
'Officials from the European Commission and CBP stated that unless additional resources are made available, 100 percent scanning could not be met … it is unclear who will pay for additional resources -- including increased staff, equipment and infrastructure — needed to implement the statutory requirement to scan 100 percent of U.S.-bound container cargo at foreign seaports,' the report said.
