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Washington, DC -- U.S. Rep. Ron Klein (FL-22) today voted in favor of the National Security FIRST Act, which will strengthen the security of our ports and key infrastructure while at the same time, allow foreign investment in our country that promotes economic development but does not compromise our national security. Klein co-sponsored the legislation.
“The National Security First Act will strengthen the safety our communities and families by bringing much-needed reforms to the ways in which foreign entities invest in our ports and structures that have national security interests,”said Klein. “This legislation is especially important to me, because the Port of Palm Beach and the Port of Everglades are in my district, and the Port of Miami is nearby. Improving the security of our ports was a top priority of mine in the Florida State Senate, and I will continue the fight for increased port safety in Congress.”
The National Security FIRST Act strengthens our national defense by making several important changes to the current review process, administered by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CIFIUS). The bill ensures that only the Secretaries of the Treasure and Homeland Security or their deputies can sign off on national security reviews – not mid-level officials.
The bill also increases congressional oversight of foreign transactions by requiring CFIUS to report to Congress about final action on an investigation and allowing committees to request a classified briefing on the transaction. CFIUS would further have to file semi-annual reports to Congress with information on transactions occurring in the previous six months. These provisions should make certain that we no longer will have to rely on press accounts to learn about deals with national security implications.
“With these new measures in place, situations such as the Dubai Ports World scandal, which nearly succeeded in purchasing and having full ownership of the Port of Miami, will never occur again. It is simply a matter of common sense that when a foreign entity wants to purchase infrastructure in the United States, they are forced to adhere to the strictest security guidelines possible,” said Klein.
As a Florida State Senator, Klein was a leading proponent of measures to raise port security, introducing legislation that would add millions of dollars to tighten security at each of Florida’s 14 seaports. Klein was particularly concerned that even five years after 9/11, 95% of the cargo passing through Florida’s ports was going through unchecked.
“We still have a long ways to go when it comes to the security of our ports, but the National Security FIRST Act is a solid step in the right direction,” said Klein.
Klein also participated in a press conference at the U. S. Capitol following the bill’s passage, along with other Members of Congress who have ports in or near their congressional district. Those Members include: Carolyn Maloney (NY), Joe Crowley (NY), Nick Lampson (TX) and John Barrow (GA). Klein also submitted a statement to the Congressional Record outlining his support for this measure. | 
