On Tuesday, June 26, 2012, the House is expected to consider H.R. 4005, the Gauging American Port Security (GAPS) Act, under a suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority vote for approval.  The bill was introduced on February 9, 2012, by Rep. Janice Hahn (D-CA) and was referred to the Committee on Homeland Security.  The committee held a mark-up session on May 9, 2012, and ordered the bill to be reported by voice vote.

H.R. 4005 would direct the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to submit to Congress a study of possible gaps in U.S. port security, to include a prioritization of such gaps and a comprehensive plan for addressing them.

More than 11 million cargo containers arrive in America's ports every year.  These ports are responsible for moving imports and exports throughout the Nation on a daily basis, and there are cargo ships coming to United States' shores from ports all over the world.

The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that H.R. 4005 would cost “about $1 million in fiscal year 2013, from appropriated funds.”  Enacting the legislation would not affect direct spending or revenues; therefore, pay-as-you-go procedures do not apply.