Senator Cant-Be Elected Again-Well Responds To My Port Concern

[rsmith6621]

It Goes as follows.....

Thank you for contacting me with your concerns regarding Dubai Ports World acquisition of port operations within the United States . I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.



As you know, Dubai Ports World (DP World) competed in, and won a bid to purchase the British shipping company Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation (P&O). The sale of P&O for $6.8 billion, which will be finalized on March 2, will make DP World the third largest port operator in the world. This acquisition will expand DP World's holdings to operations at the Ports of New York, New Jersey, Baltimore , New Orleans , Miami , and Philadelphia .



The Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which includes representatives from the Departments of Treasury, Defense, Justice, Commerce, State, and Homeland Security, as well as representatives from the Executive Office of the President evaluated and approved the acquisition. Federal law requires the President to investigate the impact on national security of foreign acquisitions in the U.S. The President has 75 days to review cases where "the acquirer is controlled by or acting on behalf of a foreign government."



I am very troubled that the Bush Administration insists on moving forward with this port acquisition without conducting a detailed and comprehensive analysis as required by law. Port security is critical to our nation's economic success and that is why I am actively working with my colleagues to ensure that the Administration conducts a thorough and transparent examination of the deal. In addition, I have asked that the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, of which I am a member, conduct hearings to examine this deal and the larger issue of foreign involvement at our ports.



As you know, Washington state boasts the largest locally controlled port system in the world with over seventy ports ranging dramatically in size, infrastructure, and purpose. These ports play an integral role in our state's economy as the nexus for international trade and a leading provider of high-quality jobs for our residents. That is why I have made it a priority to enhance security at ports in Washington state and across the country.



In November 2002, Congress passed the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-295) with my support. This bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to prepare a National Maritime Transportation Security Plan for deterring and responding to transportation security incidents. It also requires commercial vessels to be equipped with an automatic identification system and the creation of local port security committees to better coordinate efforts between federal, state, local, and private law enforcement bodies. In addition, the law directed the Transportation Department to develop regulations for secure areas in ports, including the development of identification cards containing biometric information.



In addition, I am an original cosponsor of the Transportation Security Improvement Act of 2005 (S.1052). Introduced by Senator Ted Stevens, S.1052 is a bipartisan bill that would strengthen laws governing transportation security and authorize approximately $6.5 billion annually for aviation, land (rail and pipeline), and maritime security. S.1052 would improve oversight of U.S. bound shipping containers by requiring the Department of Homeland Security to develop standards for evaluating and inspecting cargo prior to its loading at foreign ports. The Transportation Security Improvement Act was approved by the Commerce Committee with my support on November 17, 2005 and now awaits consideration by the full Senate.



Please be assured that I will continue to closely monitor the DP World acquisition and will continue working to develop responsible solutions to address vulnerabilities at our nation's ports and throughout the maritime system.


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She doesnt say whether she supports this or not.......

[bahrbearian]

1. Vote her out !

http://www.votemark.org

[rsmith6621]

2. Ive Already Pledged My Support

Both $$$ and Time......

YES MARIA HAS TO GO

[bahrbearian]

3. I'm printing out his fliers as we type,, I will pass them out.

I don't have much money , but I will contribute time.

[w8liftinglady]

4. er...she forgot to mention one thing..

-snip
In November 2002, Congress passed the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 (P.L. 107-295) with my support. This bill requires the Secretary of Transportation to prepare a National Maritime Transportation Security Plan for deterring and responding to transportation security incidents. It also requires commercial vessels to be equipped with an automatic identification system and the creation of local port security committees to better coordinate efforts between federal, state, local, and private law enforcement bodies. In addition, the law directed the Transportation Department to develop regulations for secure areas in ports, including the development of identification cards containing biometric information.

-snip

http://www.ameinfo.com/76375.html

DP World executive nominated for presitigous US government position
Global ports operator DP World today welcomed news that one of its senior executives, Dave Sanborn, has been nominated by US President George W. Bush to serve as Maritime Administrator a key transportation appointment reporting directly to Norman Mineta the Secretary of Transportation and Cabinet Member.