BIPARTISAN legislation to address overreach by US Customs has been introduced in the US House of Representatives, reports American Journal of Transportation.
Developed by the American Association of Port Authorities (PA), the CBP SPACE Act bill is sponsored by Florida Republican Congresswoman Laurel Lee and Washington Democratic Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.
'CBP is an indispensable partner in the important work of America's seaports, and we are incredibly grateful for all the agency does to protect our nation and economy,' said PA CEO Cary Davis.
'The agency's costs and other operational needs, however, are historically and constitutionally a responsibility of the federal government, not of ports,' Mr Davis. 'The government is obligated to pay for customs inspections so ports can focus on other upgrades to keep cargo moving,' he said.
Said Ms Lee: 'Customs and Border Protection (CBP) plays a critical role in helping our ports screen incoming cargo and visitors every day. However, recent demands from CBP requesting ports pay for new and expensive equipment are highly concerning. What is more concerning is that CBP has threatened to reduce CBP officers at some ports and threatened to cease operations at others should their demands not be met.'
'This bill ensures a portion of the Merchandise Processing Fees (MPF) will be used to fund CBP's salaries, expenses, and capital costs associated with inspection operations,' she said.
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Developed by the American Association of Port Authorities (PA), the CBP SPACE Act bill is sponsored by Florida Republican Congresswoman Laurel Lee and Washington Democratic Congresswoman Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.
'CBP is an indispensable partner in the important work of America's seaports, and we are incredibly grateful for all the agency does to protect our nation and economy,' said PA CEO Cary Davis.
'The agency's costs and other operational needs, however, are historically and constitutionally a responsibility of the federal government, not of ports,' Mr Davis. 'The government is obligated to pay for customs inspections so ports can focus on other upgrades to keep cargo moving,' he said.
Said Ms Lee: 'Customs and Border Protection (CBP) plays a critical role in helping our ports screen incoming cargo and visitors every day. However, recent demands from CBP requesting ports pay for new and expensive equipment are highly concerning. What is more concerning is that CBP has threatened to reduce CBP officers at some ports and threatened to cease operations at others should their demands not be met.'
'This bill ensures a portion of the Merchandise Processing Fees (MPF) will be used to fund CBP's salaries, expenses, and capital costs associated with inspection operations,' she said.
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