From slavery abolitionists like Harriett Tubman to civil rights activists like Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Coretta Scott King, from the courage of the Little Rock Nine Central High School students to the entrepreneurial spirit of the Arkansas City native publishing mogul John H. Johnson, and the powerful writings of Maya Angelo – we have much to learn from the courage of these true American heroes.   The accomplishments made by these tremendous individuals have inspired many, and their work will be forever embedded in American culture. 

There are countless other citizens who have led quiet lives and still made lasting contributions to America’s greatness. We recognize and salute those who have made their mark by leaving America better off than when they first encountered her.

This month, I encourage you to seize the opportunity and learn more about historical black figures.  The African American community has given us some of our greatest writers, inventors, philosophers, musicians, and spiritual and community leaders throughout our history.  This February, we celebrate black history and its lasting influence on American culture.  Let us all be mindful that these achievements are not to be remembered for only one month each year, but rather celebrated throughout the year and for decades and generations to come.

“As a result of September 11, 2001, our enemy has changed, our world has changed, and our approach to national security must also change.  In the post 9-11 era, homeland security and safeguarding the American public are prevalent concerns throughout America.  Not only did two of the 9-11 hijackers reside in the UAE, but a majority of the funding for the attacks came from a UAE owned bank.  Unbelievably, the President has threatened to use veto authority for the first time in his presidency on proposed legislation intended to delay the sale and ensure the safety of the American public. 

“The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) failed to include basic evaluations, such as background checks of senior managers of Dubai Ports World or a study of how the company screens its workers, and recommended agreement approval to the White House without an in-depth investigation of the company.  Furthermore, I find it appalling a decision of this magnitude that directly impacts major U.S. cities on both the Eastern seaboard and on our Gulf Coast, was made without the President having any prior knowledge of the agreement, which he openly admitted this week. 

“Our government has a responsibility to protect its citizens by thoroughly evaluating an agreement with a company owned by a nation known to have ties with 9-11 terrorists. 

“This is not a Democratic issue or a Republican issue.  Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle are calling on the Administration to delay the sale until a thorough investigation has been conducted.  America continues to exist in a state of elevated security threats and we must not rush into a situation that could jeopardize national security or the safety of the American people.  We should utilize the channels instituted by Congress in 1975 to thoroughly review the proposed transaction instead of blatantly bypassing them. 

“This sale of operations of United States seaports to a company owned by the UAE should be delayed until all security concerns by both the Administration and Congress have been sufficiently addressed and the American public can rest assured this sale will not hamper national security or public safety,” said Ross. 

In 1975, Congress created the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) and established a process to thoroughly review foreign investment which included a 30-day review followed by a 45-day investigation if deemed necessary.   CFIUS found no security threats in their initial 30-day review of the port deal with Dubai Ports World and sent their recommendation for approval to the Administration.  Subsequently, the agreement received the necessary White House endorsement to complete the sale without conducting an in-depth 45-day investigation.