CONGRESSMAN TERRY EVERETT EXPRESSES SERIOUS CONCERN OVER DEAL TO ALLOW UNITED ARAB EMIRATES COMPANY TO MANAGE SIX MAJOR AMERICAN PORTS

Congressman Terry Everett, R-Rehobeth, said Thursday that Federal approval of a deal to allow a United Arab Emirates-owned company to take over management of six major American ports should be postponed until lawmakers have had time to review the details. Furthermore, Everett said we need to be sure that the decision is not counter to our nation's security interests.

"I'm troubled by the perception that America might be placing our vulnerable ports into the hands of a country which had a reputation as a clearing house for terrorist activity," said Congressman Everett, a senior member of the House Armed Services and Intelligence committees.

"While Dubai Ports World (DP World) owned by the United Arab Emirates may have passed screening by the United States government, it is troubling that this decision might be approved without proper congressional input," he added.

"I realize that the UAE has been helpful in the War on Terror and that it currently provides port facilities to many American warships stationed in the Middle East. Nevertheless, terrorists have used the UAE as a fundraising base and you have to wonder if these same terrorists might not be able to infiltrate a UAE company doing business in America.

"Before we hand over the management of our ports in New York, New Jersey, New Orleans, Miami, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Newark to a UAE company, I believe the company and the decision-making process demand a full congressional review. America's ports and borders are potential targets for terrorist infiltration and attack and we simply cannot afford to make a mistake that would leave them even more vulnerable than they presently are.

"In addition, this revelation might prove to be a good thing in that it finally forces Washington to focus on the need to protect our ports and our borders. For too long they have been neglected and that cannot go on."