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| Wilson Takes Ports Concern to House Speaker |
February 22, 2006 |
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Letter to Speaker Hastert Follows Concerns Expressed Monday and Tuesday
Albuquerque, NM – Congresswoman Heather Wilson today released the text of a letter she sent to Speaker Dennis Hastert. Wilson is requesting that the U.S. House rapidly consider emergency legislation to direct the review of the transfer of six of the United States` most important ports to Dubai Ports World, a company owned and controlled by the government of Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Letter text below:
February 21, 2006
The Honorable Dennis Hastert
Speaker of the House
US House of Representatives
235 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Speaker Hastert,
I write to request that the House of Representatives rapidly consider emergency legislation to direct the review of the transfer of six of the United States` most important ports to Dubai Ports World, a company owned and controlled by the government of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Such a review will give Congress the opportunity to fully consider the transfer`s ramifications for national security. As you know, the Department of Treasury recently approved the transfer and the $6.8 billion contract could go into effect as early as March 2.
As noted in the 9/11 Commission Report, "While commercial aviation remains a possible target, terrorists may turn their attention to other modes. Opportunities to do harm are as great, or greater, in maritime and surface transportation." Our ports remain vulnerable and we need to ensure that the management of the ports provides the security we need to prevent smuggling of people, weapons of mass destruction, or other dangerous materials into the United States.
Since 9/11, Congress has passed three major pieces of port security legislation. On November 14, 2002, Congress passed the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 and the President signed it into law on November 25, 2002. The Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004 was signed into law by the President on August 9, 2004. On December 17, 2004, the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 was signed into law by the President. This act implements the transportation security-related recommendations of the 9/11 Commission with respect to maritime transportation.
Before this transfer occurs, Congress has a responsibility to fully consider the security ramifications of this proposed action, whether this action is consistent with the letter and spirit of recent port security legislation passed by Congress, and whether Congress should take action to reverse the Treasury Department`s decision on this matter. We need time to perform this important work.
It is my understanding that Peter King, Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, is drafting legislation that would delay the transfer until it is fully reviewed. I support rapid consideration of this legislation.
Thank you in advance for considering my input on this important matter.
Sincerely,
Heather Wilson
Member of Congress
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