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WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Marion Berry (D-AR, 1st) issued the following statement today after the U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 5684, the Oman Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act. Berry opposed the measure because it contains a provision allowing foreign companies based in Oman to operate U.S. port facilities. Today's vote comes just months after the Administration approved a deal to contract port security operations at six U.S. ports to Dubai Ports World, a company in the United Arab Emirates with ties to terrorist organizations.
The hidden provision would allow any company, including Dubai Ports World, to set up a small operation in Oman and eventually gain control over a U.S. port facility. The only way the U.S. could block this foreign acquisition of U.S. port operations is to seek a decision from an international tribunal.
"I support free and fair trade to create new markets and opportunities for Arkansas' working families, farmers and small business owners but I cannot support any trade agreement that jeopardizes our national security. This is not the first time the Administration has tried to turn over our port security to foreign companies – but we must make sure it is the last. It makes no sense to turn our critical infrastructure and national security decision-making over to foreign interests. In a post-September 11th world, we must make homeland security our country's top priority. This is a responsibility I take very seriously and one I will continue to uphold as we work to fight terrorism abroad and here in America."
Congressman Berry is a member of the Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee in Congress. |
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