The measure passed on Thursday by a 85-8 vote.
The House of Representatives was expected to pass the bill as early as Friday by sending it to President George W Bush for final approval and giving Democrats a much-needed legislative victory just a week before Congress adjourns for August recess.
Along with a boost in the minimum wage, which went into effect on Tuesday, the 9/11 Commission bill would be at the top of the Democratic majority's achievement list if Bush signs it into law.
The White House has expressed opposition to several provisions in the bill, particularly a requirement that within five years all ship containers be scanned for nuclear devices before they leave foreign ports for the United States, but it has not issued a veto threat.
The administration has questioned the feasibility of installing radiation monitoring equipment in more than 600 foreign ports.
To soften opposition, the bill's authors gave the Homeland Security secretary authority to delay implementation in two-year increments if needed.
The bill also requires the screening of all cargo on passenger aircraft within three years.
The independent 9/11 Commission in 2004 came out with 41 recommendations to prevent another terrorist attack, covering tighter domestic security, reform of intelligence gathering and new foreign policy directions. - DDNEWS India
