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February 23, 2006
GREEN FLASHES RED LIGHT ON PORT SALE:
Congressman Gene Green Speaks Out on Port Operation Sale to UAE
Houston, TX-Congressman Gene Green (TX-29) released the following statement in response to the recent debate over the potential sale of operations for six American ports to Dubai Ports World, a company owned by the United Arab Emirates.
 
“I am strongly opposed to this decision by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS), which is made up of several Bush Administration cabinet Departments, such as Treasury, Defense, Homeland Security, and Transportation.  Unlike the private sector British company that previous operated the terminals at the six ports—New York, Miami, New Orleans, Baltimore, New Jersey, and Philadelphia—Dubai Ports World is owned entirely by the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a foreign government ruled by a monarchy.” 
 
“In response to this decision by the Bush Administration, I have joined many of my colleagues in opposing this deal.  I have cosponsored legislation offered by Reps. Lobiondo (R-NJ) and Pascrell (D-NJ) to require port security managers to be U.S. citizens and legislation by Rep. Peter King (R-NY) to place a hold on this deal so we can investigate it further. 
 
“I also agree with legislation under consideration by Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) to prohibit any foreign government—Middle East or otherwise—from operating U.S. ports, which are operated best by U.S. local governments, like the Port of Houston Authority, or by U.S. companies.  In addition, Congressman Ortiz (D-TX) and I joined several other Texas Members of Congress and wrote President Bush opposing this deal.  I also have co-signed a Port Security Caucus letter to President Bush expressing similar concerns.”

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