Joe Lieberman needs to do less YouTube watching and pay more attention to his job
Last updated May 27, 2008 10:23 p.m. PT
Investigators find gaps in port security program
By HOPE YEN
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
WASHINGTON -- A Department of Homeland Security program to strengthen port security has gaps that terrorists could exploit to smuggle weapons of mass destruction in cargo containers, congressional investigators said Tuesday.
A report by the Government Accountability Office assesses the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, or C-TPAT, a federal program established after the 9/11 attacks to deter a potential terrorist strike by way of cargo passing through 326 of the nation's airports, seaports and designated land borders.
Under the program, roughly 8,000 importers, port authorities and air, sea and land carriers are granted benefits such as reduced scrutiny of their cargo. In exchange, the companies submit a security plan that must meet U.S. Customs and Border Protection's minimum standards and allow officials to verify that their measures are being followed.
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