National Security FIRST Act

I support H.R. 556, the National Security First Act, and I believe this bill is a good example of how we can ensure our nation's security and still encourage foreign investment to help create and maintain jobs. While I did not have the pleasure of serving in the last Congress, I can tell you that the Dubai Ports World deal was not well received in my community in northeast Ohio. Myself and many of my constituents wondered how such a concerning deal could ever have been approved. The answer was that there was little oversight, accountability and transparency with the way the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States or CFIUS worked. The DPW deal was so concerning to this Congress last year, that legislation very similar to what we have before us today passed in July by a vote of 424-0. H.R. 556 ensures that these matters are addressed and gives both the Administration and Congress greater responsibilities for dealing with foreign investment in our nation. We can have oversight, accountability and transparency and still support American businesses and workers. This is seen in the fact that the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers and other larger business organizations support H.R. 556. I support this bill and let's pass it to help ensure our national security. Thank you.