Bill Would Make Seaport Maps, Other Information Secret
A bill (HR 173) has been filed that would allow the Coast Guard to “secure” seaport maps and to “protect” any other seaport records it considers sensitive — “including information currently available to the public.” The secrecy provisions are contained in legislation filed by Rep. Juanita Millender-McDonald, D-Calif., a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The bill is broadly aimed at giving the Coast Guard enhanced responsibility for seaport security. In doing so, it gives the area Coast Guard commander, the Captain-of-the-Port, control over any information designated as “sensitive” – defined as any seaport maps, building blueprints and “any other information related to the security of the seaport that the captain … determines is appropriate.” (1/24/05)