The total budget for CBP for 2006 is up about 11%, to $7.1 billion. While CBP’s mission puts security first, it focuses, as well, on facilitating the flow of legitimate trade and travel.
Of particular interest to those involved in trade and transportation is $28.3 million to support the Automated Targeting Systems Enhancement program, budgeted in order to upgrade CBP’s capabilities in identifying high-risk cargo and passengers. The Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) allocation received an additional $8.2 million to enhance CBP’s ability to conduct supply chain security validations.
Within the budget, as well, is continued support for the evolving Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) and the related International Trade Data System that permits other government agencies to link to ACE. An additional $5.4 million and 12 positions was budgeted for CSI which pre-screens cargo before it reaches the U.S.
th meeting between the two countries since 9/11. Under the Smart Border Action Plan, Canada and the U.S. continue to work together to maintain a secure border while facilitating trade and travel between them.
