Despite the slow progress, appropriations for the Container
Security Initiative, which the anti-tampering program is part of, stands
at $156 million--an increase of $17 million from 2007.
Edward Turner, program manager at the Homeland Security Advanced
Research Projects Agency, said the science and technology directorate
would release a broad agency announcement seeking ideas for an
all-in-one sensor that could be attached to a loading dock crane.
Such a device could save time by scanning the contents of
containers for contraband or stowaways as it is being hoisted off a
ship, he said at an industry conference.
As for air security, TSA continues to run several pilot programs to
develop the next generation of check-in and hand carried luggage
inspections at airports. It is testing out several checked-bag systems
and is seeking $25 million for pilot programs in 2008.
It is also seeking $82 million to carry out operational tests of
new checkpoint technology, including backscatter X-rays and millimeter
wave sensors that can detect substances other than metal as passengers
walk through portals.
An additional $181 million has been proposed this year for
purchasing new explosive detection systems.
As CRS pointed out, most of the scanning equipment purchased after
the creation of TSA is coming to the end of its operational life. Most
of TSA's proposed 10 percent boost in funding covers the costs of
replacing and maintaining these systems.
For the second year, the Science and Technology directorate, which
invests in cutting-edge research, may face a reduction in its budget.
Both the Senate and House have proposed large cuts. The House version of
the bill reduces its 2007 budget from $973 million to $777 million.
Part of the reduction comes from the end of a pilot program to test
the feasibility of installing technology to thwart shoulder-fired
missiles aimed at commercial aircraft. Three stages of operational tests
ended in 2007 and no further funding appears in 2008 budget proposals.
The Air Transportation Association is among the organizations that
questioned the feasibility of the program because the costs of
installing the equipment on thousands of airliners would be
prohibitively expensive. No legislation has emerged mandating that the
program move forward.
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