Statement by Rep. Schwartz on News that
Dubai Ports World Will Divest U.S. Port Operations
Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Schwartz released the following statement concerning the breaking news that Dubai Ports World plans to divest its operations at U.S. ports to a United States entity. Schwartz has been an outspoken proponent on the need for strengthened port security, including offering an amendment in 2005 to increase port security funding by $150 million.
"In the past few hours news has come out that Dubai Ports World intends to divest its operations at United States ports to an American entity. This news is promising - but it should not take away the fact that the Bush Administration failed Americans by making a secret deal that puts our security interests at risk. In the nearly five years since September 11th we have made little progress to fully secure and protect our homeland. This is particularly evident at our nation's 361 ports, where we screen only five percent of the 11 million cargo containers entering our country.
"We have to be smarter and more effective in our homeland security. I will keep fighting to make sure that port security is taken seriously. And I will demand that the Administration never attempt a backroom deal like this risky fiasco again."
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/pa13_schwartz/Dubaidivesture.html