WASHINGTON, Feb. 21 (UPI) -- Bipartisan calls for U.S. President George Bush to freeze a deal allowing a Dubai company to operate six major U.S. seaports mounted on Tuesday.
The deal between the British-based DP World and Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Co. of the United Arab Emirates will affect the ports of New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Miami and New Orleans.
The Republican chairman of the House Homeland Security panel told CNN the deal should not go through without a complete investigation.
"I would urge the president to freeze the contract, hold this contract, until a full and thorough and complete investigation can be conducted," said Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y.
Monday, Maryland Gov. Robert Ehrlich joined both potential Democratic opponents for his seat and members of Congress in condemning the sale, The Baltimore Sun reported.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff defended the deal, saying federal law required a review of the sale by a committee that includes officials from the Homeland Security, Treasury and Commerce departments, along with the FBI and the Pentagon.
