Dear Commissioner Basham:
We have been informed that you will not meet the statutory deadline of June 30, 2007, to submit to the Committee the Resource Allocation Model (RAM) required by section 403 of the Security and Accountability For Every Port Act of 2006 (SAFE Port Act). We find this unacceptable. Your agency has had 9 months to complete the RAM, which is more than sufficient time to prepare this critical document. The RAM will describe the optimal staffing levels required to carry out the commercial operations within the agency, including commercial inspection, release of cargo, and the revenue functions described in section 412(b)(2) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002. The RAM will contribute importantly to this Committee’s efforts to authorize appropriate resources for the commercial functions performed by your agency.
During your confirmation hearing last year we were impressed with your appreciation of the critical balance between security and trade facilitation functions at the agency. We therefore are quite disappointed by the agency’s failure to meet this statutory deadline. It is an indication that the appropriate balance has yet to be achieved. We request that you inform us of the specific reasons why the statutory deadline will not be met, and also what efforts are being taken to submit the RAM to the Committee as soon as possible.
As Chairman and Ranking Member of the Committee, we intend to continue vigorous oversight of the commercial functions within your agency. We expect to revisit the issue of appropriate balance between the trade security and trade facilitation functions later this year. In the meantime, we look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Max Baucus, Chairman Charles E. Grassley, Ranking Member
Source: Ranking Member’s News
