DOBBS: Key leaders in the House and the Senate, at least initially, stood up to the White House and his -- the president's threat of the veto.
One of those leaders is Congressman Duncan Hunter, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, joining us tonight from Capitol Hill.
This is, Congressman, would you say the beginning or the end?
REP. DUNCAN HUNTER (R), CALIFORNIA: Well, I think that the right message has been sent, but these papers haven't been signed yet, and the transfer from Dubai Ports World to this American company has not been completed. So when it's completed, then I think -- then it's over. But it ain't over till it's over, and right now we have a statement from Dubai Ports World and little else. So before we spike the ball in the end zone, Lou, let's watch this thing come through to completion.
But beyond that, we've got lots of critical infrastructure in this country. And I've got a bill that requires the secretary of defense to identify critical infrastructure in America, whether it's ports or power plants or other pieces of infrastructure. And once that's identified by the secretary of defense, in concert with the secretary of homeland security, that has to be American-owned, managed and operated.
DOBBS: What kind of support do you have for that legislation?
HUNTER: Well, we've just introduced it. I think at this point, we've got 25 co-sponsors. We get more on every couple of hours, and I think that we're going to be able to get that or something similar through the House of Representatives, and I think through the Senate, because I believe there's some momentum now for really securing this infrastructure.
And that includes -- that includes making sure that we inspect 100 percent of the cargo containers coming through these ports. We've got the -- we're the masters of surveillance, and we ought to be able to inspect these doggone cargo containers. And I look forward to having a good old colonel out of the 101st Airborne coming back from Iraq and being a port director who gets that kind of stuff done.
DOBBS: That's a terrific idea, and I hope your colleagues are listening to you.
I'd like you to, however, listen to something that General John Abizaid, the head of the U.S. Central Command, said just a few hours ago. If we could roll that sound bite.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
GEN. JOHN ABIZAID, U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND: The United Arab Emirates is absolutely vital to our stake in the Arabian Gulf area, that they have been good partners, good allies. I'm very dismayed by the emotional responses that some people have put on the table here in the United States, that really comes down to Arab and Muslim bashing. That was totally unnecessary.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
DOBBS: What is your reaction to a member of the general staff getting involved in what is, first of all, by the White House's assertion, a commercial transaction, one that would work tirelessly for -- but to hear the head of the Central Command accuse the opponents of this deal of being anti-Arab, anti-Muslim and inject himself into a domestic political discussion?
HUNTER: Well, first, General Abizaid and other generals have said that this -- that the UAE and Dubai have been very cooperative. What they've seen, Lou, is a cooperative side when we're making military operations...
DOBBS: But, Mr. Chairman, if I may interrupt you...
HUNTER: But they don't...
DOBBS: I'm talking about what he said about the critics of this deal. And he injected himself specifically into it. That's got to concern you.
HUNTER: Yes, I can just speak for myself, and that is, I don't know if he's referring to my criticism, but my criticism is based on 66 nuclear triggers being shipped through Dubai while American agents are sitting there asking the Dubai government not to let them go, and they say we don't care what America's position is; they're going. Now, that's not anti-anything expect pro-American security.
DOBBS: Exactly.
HUNTER: I don't think the general knows about those things. I think he sees -- he sees the smiling face of Dubai when we're making military operations.
DOBBS: It is in my judgment, and I will say it this way, and in my judgment it is unseemly to see this administration and this Department of Defense literally -- and I hate to use this, in all respect for the uniform and the men, these men who serve the country so well -- to be trotted out to support a deal that is a commercial transaction and a domestic political issue like this. Does that offend you?
HUNTER: Well, actually, Abizaid, General Abizaid was over here to give his regular briefings to...
DOBBS: No, I understand.
HUNTER: Which he did in private session, and he was asked that question. So to his credit and to Tommy Franks' credit, Lou, those guys have seen when we have been moving men and material into war, they have seen the Dubai government and a UAE that has accommodated us. The problem is they accommodate the bad guys when that's in their interest.
DOBBS: Congressman Duncan Hunter, we thank you for being with us.
HUNTER: Let's stick with this issue, Lou. We've got a lot of work to do.
Thanks for the transcript! A refreshing break from the name-calling that has re-erupted (is that a word?). It provides more context, and I appreciate it.
DOBBS: It is in my judgment, and I will say it this way, and in my judgment it is unseemly to see this administration and this Department of Defense literally -- and I hate to use this, in all respect for the uniform and the men, these men who serve the country so well -- to be trotted out to support a deal that is a commercial transaction and a domestic political issue like this. Does that offend you?
HUNTER: Well, actually, Abizaid, General Abizaid was over here to give his regular briefings to...
I'll admit to being tired, but this sounds like Hunter, who gets briefs from Abizaid, saying he knows more than Abizaid. From your post, here is what Abizaid said himself:
GEN. JOHN ABIZAID, U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND: The United Arab Emirates is absolutely vital to our stake in the Arabian Gulf area, that they have been good partners, good allies. I'm very dismayed by the emotional responses that some people have put on the table here in the United States, that really comes down to Arab and Muslim bashing. That was totally unnecessary.
Duncan Hunter continues to make this charge without citing any sources.