SAFE Port Act
Encyclopedia
The Security and Accountability For Every Port Act of 2006 (or SAFE Port Act) was an Act of Congress
in the United States covering port security
and to which an online gambling
measure was added at the last moment. The House and Senate passed the conference report on September 30, 2006, and President Bush signed the Act into law on October 13, 2006.
that aimed to block Dubai Ports World acquiring P&O Ports, and more generally to stop key US ports falling into the hands of foreign owners by changing the Exon-Florio Amendment
. The act codified into law a number of programs to improve security of U.S. ports, such as:
In addition, the Act created the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office within the Department of Homeland Security
and appropriated funds toward the Integrated Deepwater System Program
, a long-term U.S. Coast Guard
modernization program.
noted that the UIGEA provisions were "hastily tacked onto the end of unrelated legislation".
Act of Congress
An Act of Congress is a statute enacted by government with a legislature named "Congress," such as the United States Congress or the Congress of the Philippines....
in the United States covering port security
Port security
Port security refers to the defense, law and treaty enforcement, and counterterrorism activities that fall within the port and maritime domain...
and to which an online gambling
Online gambling
Online gambling, also known as Internet gambling and iGambling, is a general term for gambling using the Internet.-Online poker:Online poker tables commonly offer Texas hold 'em, Omaha, Seven-card stud, razz, HORSE and other game types in both tournament and ring game structures...
measure was added at the last moment. The House and Senate passed the conference report on September 30, 2006, and President Bush signed the Act into law on October 13, 2006.
Port security provisions
The port security provisions were one of 20 bills introduced to Congress in the wake of the Dubai Ports World controversyDubai Ports World controversy
The Dubai Ports World controversy began in February 2006 and rose to prominence as a national security debate in the United States. At issue was the sale of port management businesses in six major U.S...
that aimed to block Dubai Ports World acquiring P&O Ports, and more generally to stop key US ports falling into the hands of foreign owners by changing the Exon-Florio Amendment
Exon-Florio Amendment
The Exon–Florio Amendment is a law that was enacted by the United States Congress in 1988 to review foreign investment within the United States. The amendment was passed into law under the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 and amended Section 721 of Defense Production Act of 1950...
. The act codified into law a number of programs to improve security of U.S. ports, such as:
- Additional requirements for maritime facilities
- Creation of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential
- Establishment of interagency operational centers for port security
- Port Security Grant Program
- Container Security InitiativeContainer Security InitiativeThe Container Security Initiative was launched in 2002 by the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection , an agency of the Department of Homeland Security. Its purpose was to increase security for container cargo shipped to the United States...
- Foreign port assessments
- Customs Trade Partnership against TerrorismCustoms Trade Partnership against TerrorismThe Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism is a voluntary supply chain security program led by U.S. Customs and Border Protection and focused on improving the security of private companies' supply chains with respect to terrorism. The program was launched in November 2001 with seven initial...
In addition, the Act created the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office within the Department of Homeland Security
United States Department of Homeland Security
The United States Department of Homeland Security is a cabinet department of the United States federal government, created in response to the September 11 attacks, and with the primary responsibilities of protecting the territory of the United States and protectorates from and responding to...
and appropriated funds toward the Integrated Deepwater System Program
Integrated Deepwater System Program
The Integrated Deepwater System Program is the 25-year program to replace all or much of the United States Coast Guard's equipment, including aircraft, ships, and logistics and command and control systems...
, a long-term U.S. Coast Guard
United States Coast Guard
The United States Coast Guard is a branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the seven U.S. uniformed services. The Coast Guard is a maritime, military, multi-mission service unique among the military branches for having a maritime law enforcement mission and a federal regulatory agency...
modernization program.
Internet gambling provisions
Title VIII of the Act is also known as the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006 (or UIGEA). This title (found at ) "prohibits gambling businesses from knowingly accepting payments in connection with the participation of another person in a bet or wager that involves the use of the Internet and that is unlawful under any federal or state law." The EconomistThe Economist
The Economist is an English-language weekly news and international affairs publication owned by The Economist Newspaper Ltd. and edited in offices in the City of Westminster, London, England. Continuous publication began under founder James Wilson in September 1843...
noted that the UIGEA provisions were "hastily tacked onto the end of unrelated legislation".
See also
- Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002
- Port securityPort securityPort security refers to the defense, law and treaty enforcement, and counterterrorism activities that fall within the port and maritime domain...
- Transportation Worker Identification Credential