In diplomatic language, House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) tells President Bush he has reservations about using an Arab company to guard six U.S. ports.
Speaker’s Press Office
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Speaker Hastert Sends Letter to President Bush Regarding Moratorium and
Review of Seaports Deal
The Honorable George W. Bush
President of the United States
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
It has come to my attention that there is a proposal by the Dubai Ports
World of the United Arab Emirates to provide operational management of six
American seaports. I am very concerned about the national security
implications that this could have for the safety of the American people.
Therefore, I believe there should be an immediate moratorium placed on this
seaport deal in order to further examine its effects on our port security.
Secondly, I believe the Administration should conduct a more thorough review
of this proposal that will more fully assess the risks involved in allowing
a state-owned company to provide operational oversight of American ports.
Finally, this proposal may require additional Congressional action in order
to ensure that we are fully protecting Americans at home. I know we are
both committed to fighting the global War on Terror. We must not allow the
possibility of compromising our national security due to lack of review or
oversight by the federal government.
Sincerely,
J. Dennis Hastert
Speaker of the House
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