Description:
S. 794 would require the Department of Homeland Security to implement a five-year pilot program to assess whether including certain third-party logistics providers in the Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT) program would enhance port security, combat terrorism, or prevent supply chain breaches. Third-party logistics providers contract with other companies to manage part or all of their supply chain. CTPAT is a voluntary public-private partnership in which entities involved with international trade cooperate with Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to strengthen international supply chains, improve border security, and facilitate the movement of secure cargo. S. 794 would require CBP to publish requirements for the pilot program in the Federal Register within one year of enactment and submit a report to the Congress on its findings about the program six months after it ends. The bill also would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit a report to the Congress on the effectiveness of the CTPAT program within one year of enactment. Using information from CBP, CBO estimates that the activities required under S. 794 would not require substantial action by the agency and would cost less than $500,000 over the 2023-2028 period. In addition, based on the cost of similar reports, CBO estimates the cost to GAO to publish the report would be less than $500,000 over the 2023-2028 period. In total, CBO estimates that implementing S. 794 would cost $1 million over the 2023-2028 period; such spending would be subject to the availability of appropriated funds.
