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Port Operations Require Tough Scrutiny (PORTS) Act of 2006

Introduced: February 28, 2006 Introduced by: Markey, Edward J. Democratic · Massachusetts See on congress.gov
 Everywhere this bill has been 6 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Mar 21, 2006
Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology.
Mar 17, 2006
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.
Mar 7, 2006
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Security, Infrastructure Protection, and Cybersecurity.
Feb 28, 2006
Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on Energy and Commerce, International Relations, and Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Feb 28, 2006
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E225-226)
Feb 28, 2006
Introduced in House
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Port Operations Require Tough Scrutiny (PORTS) Act of 2006 - Amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 relating to investigations of proposed corporate mergers, acquisitions, or takeovers (transactions) in the United States by a foreign interest which could affect U.S. national security to: (1) extend from 30 to 60 days after notification of the proposed transaction the period in which such investigation must be commenced by the President, if it is determined that there should be an investigation; and (2) allow an extension of such deadline by up to ten additional days if determined appropriate.

Requires the investigation of a transaction which could result in foreign control of a person engaged in interstate commerce in the United States that could affect U.S. critical infrastructure.

States with respect to certain mandatory investigations that if the President determines that the transaction should be approved or does not otherwise object to the transaction and the President does not suspend or prohibit such transaction, then the President, within 30 days after such decision, shall notify Congress of the decision. Allows Congress 45 days after such notification to enact into law a joint resolution disapproving the decision of the President and requiring the President to prohibit the proposed transaction, or, if the transaction has been completed, directing the Attorney General to seek divestment.

Requires annual reports from the President to the congressional homeland security and intelligence committees on actions taken with regard to such investigations.

Directs the Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to: (1) verify on-site the security measures of each individual and entity participating in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) program and the Free And Secure Trade (FAST) program; and (2) establish policies for non-compliance with requirements of the C-TPAT program, including probation and expulsion.

What's happening now March 21, 2006

Referred to the Subcommittee on Domestic and International Monetary Policy, Trade, and Technology.

 Committees of jurisdiction 7