WASHINGTON, July 21 (UPI) -- A Democratic congresswoman has slammed a free trade agreement with the small Gulf nation of Oman moving through the U.S. Congress.
Rep. Louise M. Slaughter, D-N.Y.-28, the ranking member of the Rules Committee of the House of Representatives, said Thursday she was deeply concerned over the national security and economic implications of the United States-Oman Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act. The bill was approved by the House Thursday by a vote of 221 to 205.
"Republicans seem dead-set on turning our port security over to foreign corporations. Just a few months after the outcry over their Dubai Ports debacle, they want us to pass a new bill that will give Americans a new reason to worry about who controls their ports."
On Tuesday, leading Democrats revealed that loopholes in the U.S.-Oman Free Trade Agreement would allow foreign corporations, including Dubai Ports World, to establish front companies in Oman and through them take control of American ports.
"This Republican Congress is once again ignoring the overwhelming majority of Americans who are concerned about our border and port security." Rep. Slaughter said. "Instead, Republicans are listening only to well-connected business lobbyists who hope to turn this bill into profits for their shareholders."
Rep. Benjamin L. Cardin, D-Md.-3, offered an amendment to the bill addressing the port security issue, but Rules Committee Republicans refused to make it in order. Congresswoman Slaughter rejected the justification offered: that to make the amendment in order would interfere with the bill's fast track status.
"National security is more important than forcing bills through this House as quickly as possible," she said. "Republicans may want things done fast, but Democrats want them done right."
