Republicans Block New Security Scrutiny

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http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=1728345

WASHINGTON Mar 15, 2006 (AP)— Republicans blocked a Democratic effort Wednesday to force House votes on expanding government scrutiny of foreign investments, the latest fallout from a Dubai-owned company's failed bid to run some U.S. port operations.

In a 224-192 procedural vote, the Republican-controlled House thwarted Democrats from offering two amendments to a $91 billion measure for wars and hurricane recovery. Democrats also planned to push for more port security money while criticizing Republicans on the issue.

"If the Republicans are now deciding to get on board, then we welcome them, because for so long they have been on a sinking ship, basically saying that our ports are secure," said Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, lead Democrat on the House Homeland Security Committee.

Republicans dismissed the criticism, arguing that they have increased port security money over the last few years beyond what the Bush administration has requested.