CTPAT Pilot Program Act of 2023

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we are here today to consider S. 794, the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism Pilot Program Act of 2023. This important legislation will further strengthen the security of cargo shipments arriving in the United States.

As we work to build a resilient supply chain and prevent dangerous threats from reaching our communities, it is critical that customs officers work closely with importers, shippers, carriers, and others to ensure both fast and secure travel. The CTPAT program encourages this.

In response to faster processing at our ports of entry, members of the trade community participating in this program adopt tighter security measures throughout their global supply chain. Today, more than 11,400 companies currently participate in the CTPAT program, accounting for about 52 percent of cargo imports into the United States.

Despite the success of the program, certain third-party logistics providers are excluded from even applying for membership. Further expanding access to CTPAT will help U.S. businesses and improve supply chain security to prevent terrorists and terrorist threats from reaching our communities.

Specifically, this bill establishes a 5-year pilot program to allow certain third-party logistics providers to join this very important program. We hope to see how the participation of third-party logistics providers helps CBP enhance port security and mitigate supply chain breaches.

I thank Senator Cornyn for leading this legislation in the Senate and my colleague, Representative Elissa Slotkin, for leading this legislation in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, this bill would help American businesses thrive and also enhance the safety of our communities. By expanding access to CTPAT, more of our trusted trading partners can expedite cargo into our local communities and our country.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 794) to require a pilot program on the participation of non-asset-based third-party logistics providers in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 794.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 794, the CTPAT Pilot Program Act of 2023, which would establish a pilot program to assess the security benefits of providers in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism program. I urge support, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Higgins), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, again, I urge my colleagues to support S. 794, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Green for recognizing me for such time as I may consume, whereas any other Member of Congress would need only about 1 minute to provide this commentary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 794, the CTPAT Pilot Program Act of 2023.

Since 2001, the United States Customs and Border Protection's CTPAT program has been reducing vulnerability throughout the supply chain by incentivizing greater security measures with certified trade partners.

Today, more than 11,400 certified partners have been accepted into the program.

The CTPAT Pilot Program Act of 2023 expands upon this already successful program by requiring CBP to establish a pilot program to assess the benefits of allowing non-asset-based third-party logistics providers, 3PLs, and additional asset-based 3PLs to participate in this program.

Mr. Speaker, I hope all Members will support this critical legislation today, as it strengthens our efforts to combat the threat of terrorism in the global supply chain.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar No. 67, S. 794.

I ask unanimous consent that the Cornyn amendment at the desk be considered and agreed to; that the bill, as amended, be considered read a third time and passed; and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table.