Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, said he is working in partnership with the US Dept. of Homeland Security (DHS) inspector general to update current port security procedures to better protect against biological and chemical threats, reports the National Industrial Transportation League (NITL).

Rockfeller called attention to a report from the inspector general regarding US Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) ability to detect biological and chemical threats in maritime cargo containers. The report is in response to a requirement in the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2004 calling for an annual evaluation of the current cargo targeting and inspection systems for containerized cargo.

Rockefeller reportedly said it is “crucial we determine which pathways into America pose the highest risk of biological and chemical weapons release and use the most cutting-edge, proven technologies for interdiction.”