$1B Sought for Port Security

Sen. Robert Menendez, D-N.J., called on Congress on March 10 to fund technology that would scan 100 percent of the cargo containers entering America. Menendez wants Congress to add $1 billion to the 2006-07 federal budget to improve scanning technology, help developing countries improve their ability to inspect containers and provide for additional inspectors at U.S. ports. President Bush said Friday that he was troubled by the political storm that forced the reversal of a deal allowing Dubai Ports World to take over some operations at six American ports, saying it sent a bad message to U.S. allies in the Middle East. Bush said the United States needs moderate allies in the Arab world, such as the United Arab Emirates, to win the global war on terrorism. Dubai is one of seven emirates in the UAE, which was home to two of the 9/11 hijackers and a transfer point for at least some of the money used to finance the attacks. (Source: NorthJersey.com)