Federal authorities are taking steps to reduce the vulnerability of the nation’s ports to terrorism attacks, including those generated by the war in Iraq, but there is a long way to go. Three unlicensed security guards have been arrested for improper licensing in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and new technology is being tried in Philadelphia. A Senate committee was told last week, however, that the government has done little to improve security since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. “The threat of an attack using cargo containers is serious and immediate,” said Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine. Homeland Security officials said they are stepping up security. Asa Hutchinson, Homeland Security undersecretary of border and transportation security, said agents are trying to get better information about cargo before it leaves foreign ports. In Philadelphia, tests on a system called RISK Alert began last week and are scheduled to last into May. The system tracks cargo and provides picture and data on crew members of cargo ships. Full Story
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