Linda Stender for Congress - Press Release

by: Linda Stender

Thu Mar 09, 2006 at 02:52:02 PM EST

Why doesn’t he want Congressional oversight of this deal?

SCOTCH PLAINS – Proving yet again that he is a rubber-stamp for the failed policies of the Bush Administration, Congressman Mike Ferguson yesterday cast his vote AGAINST an effort to force debate and vote on a proposed takeover of port operations by a company based in the United Arab Emirates. This is the second time in a week that Ferguson has voted against proposed congressional oversight of this deal.

“The Bush Administration seems to be calling on public officials to accept their failed policies without question, and Mike Ferguson seems happy to comply,” said Linda Stender, Democratic candidate for Congress in the 7th Congressional District. “Giving access to our ports to a country with terrorist ties would be a horrible mistake, and Mike Ferguson refuses to do what’s needed to stop it.  He calls for congressional hearings on one hand, then votes against congressional action on the other. As we’ve seen so often in his Congressional career, he portrays himself as sharing the priorities of his constituents, then puts common sense aside to provide a loyal rubber stamp vote for the President’s initiatives.”

According to the Associated Press, “on the House floor, Democrats failed for the second time in a week to force a debate and vote on legislation that would require congressional approval of the takeover following a 45-day security investigation.”

“In the State Assembly, I’m pushing through measures to ensure that the Port Authority has oversight on deals that affect New Jersey’s ports, and I urge Congress to exercise their own oversight,” said Stender. “Financial transactions that have far-reaching security implications need to be dragged into the light of day, and if the DP deal really isn’t a threat to homeland security, President Bush shouldn’t object to increased scrutiny.  Congressman Ferguson has refused to exercise the necessary leadership to stand up for our security, and should be held accountable for his lapse in leadership.”

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