S. 2279: Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2004

108th Congress · introduced 2004-04-01 · Transportation and Public Works · Latest: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

federal

Follow this bill, step by step

Where it came from: introduced 2004-04-01 · official record
Who proposed it: Sen. Hollings, Ernest F. [D-SC] · what a sponsor is
What happened next: no floor votes in our records yet. Why?
Where it stands now: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Not final yet: this can still change. We check for updates every day.
If it becomes law and spends money: follow the money to money laws, then agencies and contracts and grants.

What does this mean?

Official title

Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2004

Plain summary

Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2004 - (Sec. 2) Amends Federal shipping law to grant U.S. district courts jurisdiction to restrain violations of certain port security requirements. Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation (Secretary) to refuse or revoke port clearance to any owner, agent, master, officer, or person in charge of a vessel that is liable for a penalty or fine for violation of such requirements. Allows any refused or revoked clearance to be granted upon filing of a bond or other surety satisfactory to the Secretary. Directs the Secretary to require uncleared, unladen imported merchandise remaining on a wharf or pier for more than seven calendar days (not including any time held in Federal custody) to be removed and deposited in a public store or general order warehouse for inspection, after which a delivery permit may be granted. Authorizes the Secretary to impose an administrative penalty of $5,000 on the consignee for each bill of lading for general order merchandise remaining on a wharf or pier in violation of such requirement (except if the violation was a result of force majeure). (Sec. 3) Shifts from the Secretary to the Administrator of the Maritime Administration responsibility for assessing antiterrorism measures in foreign ports and notifying foreign government authorities of deficiencies and the steps necessary to improve such measures. Requires the Administrator to identify foreign assistance programs that could facilitate implementation of port security antiterrorism measures in foreign countries. Directs the Administrator and the Secretary to establish a program to utilize those programs that are capable of implementing port security antiterrorism measures at ports in foreign countries that the Secretary finds to lack effective antiterrorism measures. Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS Secretary) to report to specified congressional committees on the security of ports in the Caribbean Basin. (Sec. 4) Amends the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary to: (1) establish a curriculum to educate and instruct Federal and State officials on commercial maritime and intermodal transportation; and (2) coordinate with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in the curriculum development and the provision of training opportunities for Federal and State law enforcement officials at appropriate law enforcement training facilities. (Sec. 5) Directs the DHS Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) recommendations to coordinate background checks for all individuals engaged in transportation activities; and (2) a timeline for implementation of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential in seaports. (Sec. 6) Directs the DHS Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the security of ships and facilities used in the cruise line industry, including an assessment of certain security measures employed by the industry. (Sec. 7) Amends Federal shipping law to direct the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Border and Transportation Security to establish a maritime transportation security plan grant program to implement Area Maritime Transportation Security Plans and help fund compliance with Federal security plans among port authorities, facility operators, and State and local agencies required to provide security devices. (Sec. 8) Directs the DHS Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on the design of maritime security grant programs.

Congressional Research Service summary (Passed Senate amended), quoted unchanged (nonpartisan). Read the source.

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A “Yea” vote

If it passes both chambers and is signed, it becomes law.

A “Nay” vote

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What does this mean? (plain words)

Official text

Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2004

Source: Congressional Research Service summary (Passed Senate amended)

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Alternatives

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How did my representative vote? · This bill's floor votes

Officials and money

Sponsor: Sen. Hollings, Ernest F. [D-SC] · 3 cosponsors

Cost estimate: CBO cost estimate: S. 2279, Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2004 (2004-05-19); CBO cost estimate: S. 2279, Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2004 (2004-05-19)

Cosponsors on this site

Charles E. Schumer (D-NY)

No linked floor roll calls in our collected records yet. This does not mean the bill has never had a vote. Check the official bill history.

Words on this page, explained (5)

Appropriation: Money a legislature sets aside by law for a specific purpose. Government agencies may spend public money only as it has been appropriated.
Bill: A proposed law. It becomes law only if it passes the legislature and is signed by the president or governor (or a veto is overridden).
Bond: A way to borrow money. A government sells bonds to raise money now and promises to pay it back with interest over time. Bonds repaid from taxes often need voter approval.
Jurisdiction: The area or the matters a government or court has authority over.
Securities: Financial investments that can be bought and sold, such as stocks and bonds.

Plain meanings written from linked sources. All words.

Sources

Congressional Research Service summary (Passed Senate amended)
Congress.gov
Data: GovInfo BILLSTATUS bulk data (Library of Congress), BILLSTATUS-108s2279.xml <https://www.govinfo.gov/bulkdata/BILLSTATUS/108/s>

Record fed-us-cong108-s2279 · catalog fed-us-congress-bills-cong108 · updated 2026-11-15 by psicol fed-bills-cong108