February 21st, 2006 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, M.D. (R-TN) today made the following statement on the deal proposed by Dubai Ports World of the United Arab Emirates that would give the company day-to-day management of six major U.S. sea ports:Note the multiple comments, including one that Congress should be more involved in the process in the long run. LOL."Recent reports that a company based in the Middle East is seeking to purchase the operating rights to several U.S. ports raise serious questions regarding the safety and security of our homeland. The decision to finalize this deal should be put on hold until the Administration conducts a more extensive review of this matter.
"It is important for Congress to be involved in this process. I have requested a detailed briefing on this deal.
"If the Administration cannot delay the process, I plan on introducing legislation to ensure that the deal is placed on hold until this decision gets a more thorough review.
"This is not the first time questions have been raised about the Executive Branch's review process, led by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, for these types of transactions. These deals could have a major impact on America's security, the protection of which is our greatest responsibility. The CFIUS process needs to be more transparent and include a role for Congress that includes reviewing these deals, and possibly voiding them if necessary."
I wonder if he'll put a new press release up this week.
http://frist.senate.gov/ <- check here
This is a shining example of Congress overstepping it's authority. There was a process, and it was followed.
FReepers learded about this while everyone was orgasmic over Cheney shooting his buddies face off with a Howitzer. To bad our Congresscritters and their staff don't cruise by here once in a while to see what's happening in the World.