A port security bill (H.R. 4954) was signed into law by President Bush becomingP.L. 109-347. The law requires that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) develop and implement a strategic plan to enhance maritime security. The measure also requires that DHS develop and implement a plan to improve existing programs that identify high-risk containers moving through the international supply chain. The law further requires that states submit to the federal government biographic information on current and future employees who have access to secured areas of seaports. DHS will compare this information to data on terrorist watch lists. In addition, under the new law, DHS must establish minimum standards and verification procedures for securing containers in transit, including international standards for containers moving through the global supply chain. DHS must submit a plan to Congress for deployment of radiation detection equipment at all U.S. ports.hr4954_portsecurity1206.pdf