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Article published Apr 4, 2003
Senate rejects Hollings' port security proposal

SARA STRAETEN
Washington Correspondent

WASHINGTON -- The Senate has rejected a proposal by Sen. Ernest Hollings, D-S.C., to provide $2 billion for seaport security in a homeland security bill than two weeks after unanimously agreeing to fund it.
The vote late Wednesday to reject Hollings' amendment was 52-47, falling largely along party lines. Republicans say they favor funding for port security, but not as part of the supplemental appropriations bill to provide an additional $80 billion for homeland security this year.
The amendment, which Hollings originally introduced a year before the 9-11 attacks, would have given $1 billion annually for the next two years to strengthen port security, including funding for local law enforcement and federal agencies.
"Everybody talks about port security, but they don't do anything about it," Hollings said. "Every Republican and every Democrat committed to this funding just 12 days ago, but they weren't willing to put the real dollars behind that commitment."
On March 21, the Senate agreed to provide the funding in the fiscal year 2004 budget resolution.
The $2 billion would finance requirements outlined in the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, which requires that all ports, facilities and vessels have security plans and incident response plans.
Hollings spokesman Andy Davis said the supplemental funding bill was the ideal opportunity to get the money to strengthen port security, but Hollings will continue to push for money for the nation's ports.
"We will work through the normal appropriations process, which could take a lot of time," Davis said. "The supplemental was an immediate vehicle" to get funding for port security.
Bryon Miller, manager of public relations for the South Carolina State Ports Authority, said port officials are confident they can keep the Charleston, Port Royal and Georgetown ports safe, but with costs on the rise, federal dollars would help.
"We're hopeful there's eventual recognition of the requirements that are placed on ports," Miller said. "As we look to further strengthen our borders, we need to be vigilant. We need to be looking forward."
The Port of Charleston is the fourth largest container port in the country.
Many Upstate businesses receive equipment, parts and goods that come through the port.
"We've got $90 million in trade that moves through this port every day," Miller said. "This is a major artery for business in the state and the country. We've got to continue to keep our borders safe, protect our communities and keep the cargo flowing."