Rep. Fossella Calls for Congressional Hearings into Decision to Allow United Arab Emirates to Control 6 American Ports

Fossella Says Decision Inconsistent With American Efforts to Enhance Homeland Security

[Washington, DC] – Congressman Vito Fossella (R-NY13) today called for Congressional hearings into the decision by a Treasury Department committee to award management of six of the United States' most important ports, including two in the tri-state region, to Dubai Ports World (DP World), a company owned and controlled by the government of Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

“At a time when America is leading the world in the War on Terrorism and spending billions of dollars to secure our homeland, we cannot cede control of strategic assets to foreign nations with spotty records on terrorism,” Fossella said. “This decision seems inconsistent with American efforts to enhance our national security.”

In a letter to House Homeland Security Chairman Peter King, Fossella said Congressional hearings are needed to learn why the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) agreed to allow DP World to operate American ports, its impact on our national security and what steps are being taken to ensure that security is not breached. The ports are in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Miami, Baltimore and New Orleans.

“I am particularly troubled that CFIUS announced its decision to grant control of six American ports to a company owned by the UAE without allowing Congress or the American people the opportunity to express their concerns,” Fossella said. “The lack of transparency has left many questions unanswered as to why the UAE would be granted control of United States strategic assets.”

America’s ports are still recognized as among the softest targets in the country as evidenced by the fact that only about 5% of incoming containers are inspected by DHS personnel. The remaining 95% of containers are under the direct control of the port operator, making it critical that this entity be above reproach with respect to security.

“DP World would be responsible for all security-related issues at the six terminals,” Fossella said. “While UAE is considered an ally in the War on Terrorism, there is no denying the fact that two of the September 11th hijackers were from the UAE and intelligence officials believe that to some degree planning of the terrorist attacks occurred there. Now more than ever, Congress has a responsibility to provide oversight of the operations of this committee.”

DP World recently acquired The Peninsular and Oriental Steamship Navigation Co. (P&O), a London-based company that previously held the contracts.
 

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