Chuck Schumer: “I come to the Chamber today first to announce introduction of legislation, S. 2333, which would deal with the Dubai…”

“I come to the Chamber today first to announce introduction of legislation, S. 2333, which would deal with the Dubai Ports issue. The legislation is bipartisan. It has five Democratic and five Republican sponsors, although the number is growing. The lead Republican sponsor is my friend from Minnesota, Mr. Coleman, who had hoped to be here today, but I believe his flight was delayed, and he is just arriving about now. First, I would like to speak about the recent developments in Dubai Ports World's takeover of several major ports. I believe the bipartisan legislation which I and others will introduce today is the path forward with respect to this deal and securing our Nation's ports and making sure that homeland security is the No. 1 priority. As we know, the administration and DP World executives reached an agreement yesterday to allow for a 45-day investigation of security concerns raised by this deal. That is good news. I salute the administration and President Bush for doing so. The bottom line is that many of us have called for this 45-day investigation--many of us from both parties over the last week and a half--and the fact that the President is doing it is very good news. To dig in one's heels doesn't make much sense, particularly when it comes to homeland security. So the new agreement is a major step forward, and it is a key part of what many of us have been asking for in recent weeks. But there are still some outstanding questions.…”