Burlington, Vt. - Senate President Pro Tem Peter Welch issued the following statement today on the potential of Dubai Ports World taking over operations at six American ports:

"The bipartisan concern about port security is a welcome development in our need to improve our homeland security. Congress should make absolutely certain that any corporation, domestic or foreign, will ensure the United States has the best possible security for its ports.

"Congress must do everything in its power to ensure our ports are secure. I share the concerns of many in Congress that this deal should not go through unless it fully supports guaranteeing the best port security possible.

"The unfortunate reality is that protecting our ports has been a major weakness in our homeland security. While I welcome the bipartisan focus on port security, the unfortunate reality is that the Republican led Congress has consistently opposed measures to fund needed improvements in port security, despite 9-11 Commission recommendations to do so. In 2003, the Republicans in Congress killed an amendment that would have added $250 million for port security grants. Again in 2005, the Republicans in Congress voted against an alternative Homeland Security Authorization proposal that called for an additional $400 million in funding for port security and to improve container inspection.

"Focus on our homeland security is long overdue. Assuring port security receives the attention it deserves is an important step in the right direction."