AP: Northwest lawmakers attack ports deal

[PhilipShore]

Associated Press
Northwest lawmakers attack ports deal
February 22, 2006

http://www.king5.com/business/stories/NW_022206WAKnwlawmakers_portKC.53de9dad.html

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Northwest lawmakers from both parties on Wednesday attacked a Bush administration plan to allow a state-owned business in the United Arab Emirates to take over shipping operations at six U.S. seaports.

All four senators from Washington and Oregon questioned the deal, and Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., called on President Bush to immediately reverse course and block it.

"If ever there was a better case for you to exercise your authority to suspend or prohibit a foreign acquisition posing a threat to our national security, we have not seen it," Wyden and Sen. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., said in a letter to Bush.

Wyden also asked Bush to make public documents showing how administration officials, led by Treasury Secretary John Snow, approved the deal, which he said "raises serious national security questions as well as questions about the judgment of those tasked with safeguarding this country."