WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) has joined a bipartisan effort to ensure that a pending deal to transfer the management of six American ports to a government-run company from the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) is thoroughly reviewed by Congress. 

“We have safeguards that should ensure that the security of our ports is maintained regardless of management.  However, in this case, those safeguards and mandatory reviews were ignored,” said Lowey.  “That is simply unacceptable.  This legislation will give Congress the opportunity to review the management contract so that national security concerns are given the proper consideration.”

The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) recently approved a proposed acquisition of terminals at six American ports, including New York, by Dubai Ports World (DP World), a firm owned by the government of U.A.E.

Current U.S. law requires that any such agreement undergo a 30-day review followed by a 45-day review if security concerns arise.  According to recent media reports, the U.S. Coast Guard warned the Bush administration that it could not rule out that the DP World’s assets could be used for terrorist operations.  Yet, a 45-day security review was not conducted.

Today, Congresswoman Nita Lowey co-sponsored legislation authored by Congressman Peter King (R-NY) to require a 45-day review.  In addition, the legislation would ensure that all issues are thoroughly investigated by requiring Congressional approval before the DP World acquisition can be finalized.  While DP World and the Bush Administration have come to an agreement to conduct a security review, the deal could still proceed without any Congressional oversight.

“Congress must be involved so that the American people can have confidence that the review of Dubai Port World’s acquisition of ports receives the most rigorous scrutiny,” said Lowey.