Friday, September 08, 2006

2:00 Senate Stands in Adjournment The Senate stands in adjournment until 2:00 p.m. on Monday, September 11.  The next vote is not expected until Tuesday, September 12. 2:21:29 PM

12:30 Senator McCain Offers Rail Security Amendment Senator McCain, along with Senators DeWine, Snowe, and Biden, have proposed an amendment to the port security bill that addresses rail transportation security.  Senator McCain explained that this amendment would complement the underlying legislation by providing essential funding and additional tools to strengthen our nation's rail system. 2:19:59 PM

12:15 Senator Collins Speaks About Port Security Bill Senator Collins, Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and cosponsor of the port security bill, said that this bill tries to balance the need for effective, improved security with the need to ensure that we are not crippling our international trading system.  She explained that this legislation focuses on the ports of origin and on each container to make sure that it is effectively evaluated.  A system, called the CTPAT system, would be implemented to secure an entire supply chain from the factory where the good is manufactured to the delivery at the retail store. 2:14:05 PM

12:00 Senate Debates Port Security Bill The Senate convened at 9:30 and resumed consideration of the Port Security bill.  Opening statements on this legislation were offered last night.  There will be no votes today or Monday and the next vote is expected on Tuesday, September 12.  12:49:03 PM