Letter Opposing Amendment to "Improving America's Security Act of 2007"

March 1, 2007

TO THE MEMBERS OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE:

On behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world's largest business federation,
representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and
region, I strongly urge you to oppose an amendment expected to be offered by Senator
Schumer to S. 4, "Improving America's Security Act of 2007." This amendment would
require 100% overseas scanning of all maritime cargo containers bound for the United States.

More than 11 million containers arrive at our nation's seaports each year and 95% of
our nation's trade flows through our seaports. If adopted, this amendment would significantly
disrupt the flow of trade and impose costly mandates on American business without providing
additional security. This amendment would require Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
to dedicate a large number of staff solely to review the scanned images, instead of focusing on
the highest risk cargo. Additionally, such unilateral requirements could severely damage
relations with our nation's trading partners, resulting in reciprocal burdens being placed on
American exporters.

Just last year, Congress passed the bipartisan SAFE Port Act, which requires the DHS
to conduct overseas container scanning pilot programs. DHS has taken steps to rapidly
implement a pilot program, Secure Freight Initiative, which tests 100% scanning technologies
and response protocols at three overseas ports. The Chamber strongly supports this program,
and urges Congress to allow it to proceed and its results evaluated prior to establishing costly
and burdensome new mandates.

The Chamber strongly urges you to oppose any amendment to require 100%
scanning of maritime cargo. The Chamber may consider votes on, or in relation to, this
issue in our annual How They Voted scorecard.

Sincerely,
R. Bruce Josten