Bush signs anti-terror Bill
Saturday, August 4, 2007
UNITED STATES President George W Bush yesterday signed legislation implementing key counter-terrorism recommendations that emerged from the independent probe into the September 11, 2001 attacks.
The measure requires the introduction of a system to screen all cargo loaded onto passenger jets within three years, improves airport and port security, and hands out grants to protect against terror strikes to US cities based on risk.
"This legislation builds upon the considerable progress we have made in strengthening our defences and protecting Americans since the attacks of September 11, 2001," Bush said in a statement released by the White House.
The Democrat-led Senate led the way by passing the bill by 85 votes to eight on Thursday night, and the House of Representatives followed suit yesterday, by 371 votes to 40.
The bill's other provisions include 100 per cent screening within five years of maritime cargo before it is loaded on ships in foreign ports bound for the United States.
The measure also calls for:
- greater distribution of homeland security grants for states and high-risk urban areas based on risk of terrorism, while still ensuring that all states have funds available for basic preparedness.
- stronger security measures for the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travellers from select countries to visit the US without a visa, through creation of a new Electronic Travel Authorisation system and improved reporting of lost and stolen passports.
- more than US$4 billion ($6 billion) over four years for rail, transit, and bus security grants.
- US$250 million ($379 million) annually for airport checkpoint screening, US$450 million ($683 million) annually for baggage screening, and US$50 million ($75 million) annually for the next four years for aviation security research and development.
- a dedicated grant programme to improve interoperability at local, state, and federal levels.
"Senate Democrats are continuing to make America safer after years of Congressional and administration inaction," said Senate Majority leader Harry Reid. "This bill is long overdue.
AFP
The measure requires the introduction of a system to screen all cargo loaded onto passenger jets within three years, improves airport and port security, and hands out grants to protect against terror strikes to US cities based on risk.
"This legislation builds upon the considerable progress we have made in strengthening our defences and protecting Americans since the attacks of September 11, 2001," Bush said in a statement released by the White House.
The Democrat-led Senate led the way by passing the bill by 85 votes to eight on Thursday night, and the House of Representatives followed suit yesterday, by 371 votes to 40.
The bill's other provisions include 100 per cent screening within five years of maritime cargo before it is loaded on ships in foreign ports bound for the United States.
The measure also calls for:
- greater distribution of homeland security grants for states and high-risk urban areas based on risk of terrorism, while still ensuring that all states have funds available for basic preparedness.
- stronger security measures for the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travellers from select countries to visit the US without a visa, through creation of a new Electronic Travel Authorisation system and improved reporting of lost and stolen passports.
- more than US$4 billion ($6 billion) over four years for rail, transit, and bus security grants.
- US$250 million ($379 million) annually for airport checkpoint screening, US$450 million ($683 million) annually for baggage screening, and US$50 million ($75 million) annually for the next four years for aviation security research and development.
- a dedicated grant programme to improve interoperability at local, state, and federal levels.
"Senate Democrats are continuing to make America safer after years of Congressional and administration inaction," said Senate Majority leader Harry Reid. "This bill is long overdue.
AFP
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