March 1, 2006

Doolittle Co-sponsors bill to Give Congress Oversight
in Dubai Ports World Deal
Mandates Stricter Requirements for 45-day Review Process

Printer Friendly

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Republican Conference Secretary John T. Doolittle (R-Roseville) today co-sponsored legislation that would give Congress oversight of the investigation into the acquisition of six of our nation’s ports by Dubai Ports World, a company owned by the government of the United Arab Emirates.

“The acquisition of six of our major ports by the United Arab Emirates raises serious questions regarding the safety and security of our homeland,” Doolittle said. “The number one job of the U.S. government is to protect its citizens, and this pursuit cannot be compromised no matter how lucrative the deal or how strong the global pressure. After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, homeland security must be our foremost concern – period.”

The Foreign Investment Security Improvement Act would require a 45-day review of the acquisition that includes:

• a review of the U.S. Coast Guard assessments of foreign ports where Dubai Ports World operates;

• background checks of Dubai Port World officers and security personnel;

• an evaluation of the impact on port security by Dubai Ports World’s control of U.S. port operations; and

• consultation with the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Secretary of Homeland Security and state and local officials regarding the impact on national security of Dubai Port World operations at affected U.S. ports.

Following the 45-day review, a report would be sent to Congress providing detailed findings of the investigation and the presidential determination. Congress would then have 30 days to reverse an approval of the transaction through legislation.

“Even though the United Arab Emirates is considered a partner in the War on Terrorism we cannot turn a blind eye to its concerning associations or checkered past,” Doolittle continued. “This is why it is necessary to halt the Dubai Ports World acquisition until we can be assured that the national security concerns of all Americans are addressed.”