I have received hundreds of calls and emails to my offices expressing opposition to turning control of our ports’ security over to a company from the United Arab Emirates. Like many in WNC, I am appalled that the Bush Administration could even contemplate such an action. No less than our nation’s security is at stake, and I cannot support this ports deal. It is especially troubling that two of those directly involved in the 9/11 attacks on our country were nationals from the UAE. During the last administration, President Clinton tried to give control of the Long Beach Port in California to the Communist Chinese government-affiliated company known as COSCO. We in Congress quickly passed legislation to prevent that from happening. Additionally, last year, Congress blocked the sale of UNOCAL Energy to the Chinese. I expect Congress to do the same thing in this case, and I will strongly support any measure to do this. If President Bush chooses to veto the legislation, as he has threatened, I fully expect that Congress will have enough votes to successfully override his veto.

Registration is now underway for Opportunities 2006, “Making Dollars and Sense Selling to Government Agencies.” Opportunities 2006 is a regional “reverse” trade show that allows small businesses the opportunity to meet contracting officers from more than 60 federal, state and local government agencies and prime contractors.

Opportunities 2006 will allow small business owners to market their products and services, and take advantage of business opportunities, from the “largest purchaser of goods and services in the world”: government agencies. Seminars will include the latest information on the basics of federal and state contracting, plus information for women, minorities and veterans. Participants will also be able to place bids for goods and services during the seminar, and some contracts will be awarded on the spot.

The one-day seminar is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, March 13 at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville. The cost to attend the seminar is $50, which will include numerous workshops and networking opportunities, as well as lunch.

I am proud to sponsor this seminar, along with Representatives Patrick McHenry and Virginia Foxx in Western North Carolina, and Representative Gresham Barrett in Upstate South Carolina.

I am looking for students to serve as summer interns in my Washington, DC office who have completed at least their second year of college, have a keen interest in government, and are willing to work long hours.

The Summer Intern Program is divided into two six-week sessions. The first session will begin Tuesday, May 30, 2006 and will end Friday, July 7, 2006; the second session will begin Monday, July 10, 2006 and conclude Friday, August 18, 2006. The program provides a $200 per-week stipend, and although no housing is provided, we do have information on housing in the area.

Please send a resume with cover letter, a brief (1-2 pages) writing sample, and 2 letters of recommendation to the attention of Michael Calvo of my Washington staff by Friday, March 31, 2006. You may also email this information to Michael at michael.calvo@mail.house.gov or mail your information to the following address:

339 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Internships are also available during the school year. If you have an interest in serving during this time, please send the same information that is requested above and what period of time you would be available.