Well, Howard Dean's appeals seem to have fallen on deaf ears. I have just read a trade publication article from which I cannot copy, so I will paraphrase:
The initiative for port security is not coming from DHS, or Congress, or the administration. In fact, the nation's port authorities have banded together to form a port security council, and have hired a lobbying firm to help them speak with one voice.
Ports have asked for more than $1 billion in federal aid for security projects...but it is likely that as little as $200 million could be allocated.
In the meantime, ports are turning away companies equipped to provide them with proper security, advising that they look down the supply chain, where improvements can also be made.
Howard Dean --- right again.