Today I had the honor to deliver the nationally-aired weekly Democratic radio address. My focus was the very serious national security concerns surrounding a United Arab Emirates-owned company taking over operations at several US ports and on the larger issue of making sure that the security of our country always comes before partisanship or special interest influence.
The full text of my address is below but the theme is very simple: we need representatives who put the safety and wellbeing of their constituents above all else. Above partisanship. Above powerful special interests. Above Washington lobbyists. And above themselves. Please share your feedback on my address in the comments. You can also hear the complete audio at www.busbyforcongress.org
-Francine
Francine Busby
National Radio Address
"We Need Strong, American Solutions on National Security"
This is Francine Busby of California.
My home county of San Diego is both a border city and a port city. We're proud of the jobs our port and border bring but we're also aware of the dangers that come with living and working at the nexus of two security checkpoints of our great country.
I was outraged to learn that the President wanted to outsource operations at some American ports to the United Arab Emirates. And like many of you, though I was outraged, I unfortunately was not surprised.
This secret deal didn't contain many of the provisions commonly found in other port deals - that may be typical for business as usual in Washington but it is not in the best interest of our national security.
This is of course the same team that brought us an immigration policy that has done little to secure our borders -- why would we imagine that they'd bring us anything more when it comes to the security of our ports?
At our ports, like our borders, Americans expect and deserve a Congress committed to stopping people who are intent on breaking the law.
There's a lot of rhetoric on both sides so it's important that we talk about the facts. Here's the first important fact: the United Arab Emirates was one of only three countries that recognized the terrorist-run Taliban as a legitimate government in Afghanistan.
Another fact: the U.A.E. served as a financial staging ground for the 9/11 attacks on our nation.
Even before this port deal with the U.A.E. was announced, here are the facts about the Republican record on port security: In 2003 and again last year, Republicans in Congress voted against funding for stronger port security. Last year, Republicans in Congress voted against funding for stronger border security. This record and this new deal with the U.A.E. reflect a perilous pre-9/11 world view that we can no longer afford.
We've now learned how they ignored a proven threat with Hurricane Katrina - starting with the White House. On this port deal, they also ignored the concerns of the Coast Guard about the lack of information.
Given the record of this Administration, "trust us" is not a safe enough answer for the American people.
I recently learned a statistic that was startling: At two terminals in Hong Kong, they screen 100% of their containers. Here in America, the government inspects only 6%.
I happen to think that American ports are worth protecting at least as much as Hong Kong's ports. It is a disservice to the security of our nation that the Washington crowd seems to disagree.
Here is what I and fellow Democrats support right now:
- An immediate vote on this wrong-headed port deal with the U.A.E. Congress should review and decide on whether or not this deal should proceed.
- A dramatic increase in the screening of cargo arriving at our ports. Cargo should be extensively screened and sealed before it even comes into our country.
- Get the Coast Guard the resources they have already told us they need. In order to secure our ports, the brave men and women in the Coast Guard are going to need more resources.
Even more must be done and more independent voices are needed to stand up for the security we need. I will bring a strong, steady voice to Congress and Californians can count on my unwavering support of their security.
The Congress we have now is a "Rubber Stamp Congress." They back the president 84% of the time. That's not independent leadership for America, that's an echo chamber.
There will be times when I agree with our president and times when I don't. There will be times when I disagree with fellow Democrats and times when I don't.
But I will always be an independent voice for California families and I will always fight for the strongest national security possible. Because that's what we deserve.
This is Francine Busby of California, thanks for listening.
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www.busbyforcongress.org
--crossposted at mydd--