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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Marion Berry (D-AR, 1st) issued the following statement today after the House Appropriations Committee voted to block the Administration's deal to contract port security operations at six U.S. ports to the United Arab Emirates company DP World. The measure was attached to the $92.2 billion Fiscal Year 2006 supplemental request for war operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast. Congressman Berry is a member of the House Appropriations Committee and voted for the measure.
"I am happy my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee came together today to block the Administration's attempt to contract our own ports to a country with ties to terrorist organizations. This entire port security deal should serve as a wake-up call that we must do better in our fight to prevent terrorist attacks against America. We must improve communication between our intelligence and law enforcement agencies, put an end to budget cuts for first responder grant programs, and listen to the 9/11 Commission when it says terrorists have the opportunity to do greater harm in maritime and surface transportation than the 9/11 attacks in New York and Washington, DC. I hope my colleagues are ready to come together for the challenges that lie ahead. Providing a secure homeland is our first responsibility, and one I take very seriously." |
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