Lankford’s Bill to Strengthen Cross-Border Trade, Guard Against Terrorism Heads to President’s Desk

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK — Senators James Lankford (R-OK) and John Cornyn (R-TX) released the following statements after their legislation creating a pilot program to strengthen the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program passed the House and now heads to the President’s desk. Lankford serves as the lead Republican on the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Subcommittee on Government Operations and Border Management.

“America’s supply chain security is essential to keeping food on the table and businesses up and running,” said Lankford. “This bill will create a new pilot program to strengthen standards for border security while streamlining our trade with other nations, and I look forward to seeing it become law in the days ahead.”

“In order for America to remain competitive in global markets, we must ensure our ports are open, efficient, and secure,” said Cornyn. “This legislation would allow additional trusted trading partners to expedite shipments important to Texas’ economy while protecting against illegal goods and national security threats, and I urge the President to swiftly sign it into law.”

CTPAT was created as a part of the SAFE Port Act of 2006 to support secure cross-border trade through a fast-track, customs clearance process for trusted merchants who voluntarily submit themselves to enhanced security screening measures. The legislation would create a pilot program that would allow up to 20 trusted non-asset and asset based, third-party logistic providers (3PLs) to become CTPAT certified. The carrier companies would work with Customs and Border Protection to become CTPAT certified by meeting additional security requirements and participating in inspections throughout the cargo transit process. 

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