Reps. Lemmons, III, Lemmons, Jr., Sheltrown, Cushingberry, Clack, Farrah, Hunter, Lipsey, Tobocman, Murphy, Virgil Smith, Williams, Waters, Byrum, Espinoza, Garfield, Gleason and Alma Smith offered the following resolution:

            House Resolution No. 218.

            A resolution to memorialize Congress to require that all port operations be run by American firms and urge Congress to provide incentives to develop home-grown African-American firms capable of managing United States port operations.

Whereas, Dubai Ports World, a company controlled by the government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), was authorized by the federal government to manage six major American ports.  While the UAE has been an ally of the United States in the War on Terror, it has also been a home to terrorists and UAE funds have been given to radical organizations throughout the world that promote terrorist activities; and

Whereas, Even though the Dubai Ports deal was cancelled due to intense public criticism, the deal demonstrated the dangers in allowing foreign countries to manage our ports.  The September 11th terrorist attacks tragically displayed the weaknesses in our national security.  Terrorist experts worry that our ports are uniquely vulnerable to attacks because so few shipping containers are searched by Homeland Security and law enforcement officials; and

            Whereas, There are plenty of American firms that are capable of managing various port operations in the United States.  With unemployment running rampant in our African-American communities in Michigan and elsewhere, we should redouble our efforts to encourage the growth of African-American entrepreneurs who can bring jobs as well as a sense of hope and opportunity to their communities; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we require that all port operations be run by American firms and urge Congress to provide incentives to develop home-grown African-American firms capable of managing United States port operations; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.