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House to challenge Bush on ports deal

WASHINGTON, March 8 (UPI) -- Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives are defying President George Bush and will vote on whether to allow a Dubai company to operate U.S. ports.

Appropriations Committee Chairman Jerry Lewis, R-Calif., said he will attach legislation to block the deal to an emergency spending bill that will be voted on next week, The Washington Post reported Wednesday.

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"Our public is very concerned about a foreign country, in this case specifically a foreign country from the Middle East, having a major role in our ports," Lewis said.

The effort was endorsed by Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., who has rarely broken with Bush, The New York Times said.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said Tuesday night that the administration is "committed to keeping open and sincere lines of communication with Congress," but added "the president's position is unchanged."

Bush said he is satisfied there is no threat to national security and has threatened to veto any moves to kill the acquisition of port management by Dubai Ports World's purchase from London-based Peninsular & Oriental Steamship Co.

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The ports are in New York, New Jersey, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Miami and New Orleans.

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