Chertoff Says Secure Ports a Priority

Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff has spoken out about port security, saying he understands the importance of keeping the nation’s ports both safe and operating efficiently.

In an article in the Portland Press Herald, writer John Richardson says Chertoff made the remarks last week after touring the harbor in Portland, Maine. Chertoff, Richardson says, was briefed on anti-terrorism measures by Senator Susan Collins and local officials before the tour.

"Our economic activity is really largely port-centered," Chertoff said during a brief press conference after the tour." I agree with Senator Collins that we've made things a lot safer, and we have to continue to make things safer still."

Chertoff’s visit was in response to Collins’ invitation, Richardson says, since Collins currently chairs the Senate’s Homeland Security committee. Richardson says Collins used the Portland visit to emphasize the need for more focus on seaport security.

"We have a ways to go," Collins said at the news conference. "It's so much easier to secure an airport than a seaport."

To read the full article, click here: http://pressherald.mainetoday.com/news/state/050803homeland.shtml