CNN Just In: Frist calls for review of Ports Deal

[kpete]

"The decision to finalize this deal should be put on hold until the admin conducst a more extensive review of this matter"

complains about lack of congressional involvement

"This deal needs to be stopped"



Press Releases

FRIST CALLS FOR HOLD ON SEA PORTS DEAL


Senator Bill Frist, M.D.
February 21st, 2006 - WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, M.D. (R-TN) today made the following statement on the deal proposed by Dubai Ports World of the United Arab Emirates that would give the company day-to-day management of six major U.S. sea ports:


“Recent reports that a company based in the Middle East is seeking to purchase the operating rights to several U.S. ports raise serious questions regarding the safety and security of our homeland. The decision to finalize this deal should be put on hold until the Administration conducts a more extensive review of this matter.


“It is important for Congress be involved in this process. I have requested a detailed briefing on this deal.


“If the Administration cannot delay the process, I plan on introducing legislation to ensure that the deal is placed on hold until this decision gets a more thorough review.


“This is not the first time questions have been raised about the Executive Branch's review process, led by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, for these types of transactions. These deals could have a major impact on America’s security, the protection of which is our greatest responsibility. The CFIUS process needs to be more transparent and include a role for Congress that includes reviewing these deals, and possibly voiding them if necessary.”

http://frist.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=2269

[meegbear]

1. What happened to your kiss-ass rubberstamping Billy?

One should NEVER question ou leaders during a time of war.

[ixion]

4. he's not.. .he's fronting for them, IMO,

by saying that the WH should 'review' the deal (which means back-burner the idea until it goes down the memory hole).

[OmmmSweetOmmm]

9. That is how I read it too. His protest is a sham and just for show. eom

[The Backlash Cometh]

14. It's probably Republicans coming out on Cspan saying they will never

vote Republican again.

[gratuitous]

2. I hope Dr. Frist doesn't get whiplash

Changing direction that quickly can have a deleterious effect on one's neck and spinal cord. I sure hope Frist knows a qualified and competent doctor to treat him.

[yellowcanine]

8. I wonder how Fristy feels about chiropractors? I have heard they are

good at treating whiplash.

[LiberalVoice]

3. Awwww...poor little fristy.

POS is just pissed cuz he realizes he and his corrupt party are no longer being given the opportunity to follow in lock step with the * admin. Hes finally realising the executive branch no longer needs the republican drones in office to sound off support for *'s take over. They are going to do it anyway.

[Twist_U_Up]

5. Hurry get it to Congress..............

so they can ignore the facts and push this deal through.

The Straussian Cabal have an attack to carry out.

[Sydnie]

6. Frist realizes that the Dems are getting some traction on this issue

since they have already talked about legislation and investigation. He's trying to get out in front of the story now that he sees which way the wind is blowing.

[oneighty]

7. 'This deal"

'Deal' is gangster speak I always thought. Or a card game; "Place your bets." "Shut up and deal."

180

[Earth_First]

10. Window dressing...

Look at how hollow that last few Congressional inquiries have been.

This is nothing more than hollow "bipartisan" Public Relations by Republican Leadership.

[Coexist]

11. it would appear the President has the authority to do so if he chooses:

http://www.treasury.gov/offices/international-affairs/exon-florio/
<snip>

The Statute. Section 5021 of the Omnibus Trade and Competitiveness Act of 1988 amended Section 721 of the Defense Production Act of 1950 to provide authority to the President to suspend or prohibit any foreign acquisition, merger or takeover of a U.S. corporation that is determined to threaten the national security of the United States. The President can exercise this authority under section 721 (also known as the "Exon-Florio provision") to block a foreign acquisition of a U.S. corporation only if he finds:

(1) there is credible evidence that the foreign entity exercising control might take action that threatens national security, and

(2) the provisions of law, other than the International Emergency Economic Powers Act do not provide adequate and appropriate authority to protect the national security.

To assist in making this determination, Exon-Florio provides for the President or his designee to receive written notice of an acquisition, merger or takeover of a U.S. corporation by a foreign entity. Once CFIUS has received a complete notification, it begins a thorough review of the notified transaction. In some cases, it is necessary to undertake an extended review or "investigation." An investigation, if necessary, must begin no later than 30 days after receipt of a notice. Any investigation is required to end within 45 days.

[HereSince1628]

12. Scary. Brit Hume might get something right?

He said Bush would ultimately have to retreat from this decision.

[Beelzebud]

13. A stopped clock is right twice a day!

[alcibiades_mystery]

15. From the "If You Can't Beat 'em, Join'em" Department

:eyes: