Hayworth Praises Signing of Port Security Act

(Scottsdale, Arizona) Congressman J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ) made this statement after President Bush signed the Security and Accountability for Every (SAFE) Port Act conference report into law on October 13, 2006: "I commend President Bush for signing the SAFE Port Act into law because it is another concrete step in protecting and securing our borders. This GOP Congress is not just talking tough about securing our borders -- we've taken real action. Whether it's providing the necessary funding for 700 miles of fencing, blockades and more Border Patrol agents to stem the tide of illegal immigration or better screening of the millions of containers that enter our ports every year, we are committed to ensuring our nation's security. The SAFE Port Act is part of that commitment." ¢ The SAFE Port Act provides $400 million over five years through the Department of Homeland Security for training and exercises at ports. ¢ It will require radiation-detection technology at 22 of the nation's busiest ports by the end of next year. ¢ It includes the Container Security Initiative that sends U.S. inspectors to foreign ports to screen cargo intended for the United States. It requires background checks and credentials for workers at the nation's 361 ports.