US lawmakers bid to stop ports takeover by Middle East firm

US SENATE Republican Leader Bill Frist yesterday called for the Bush administration to stop a deal permitting a United Arab Emirates company to take over six American seaports, upping the ante on a fight that several congressmen, governors and mayors are waging with the White House.

“If the administration cannot delay this process, I plan on introducing legislation to ensure that the deal is placed on hold until this decision gets a more thorough review,” he said.

In the uneasy climate after the September 11 attacks, the Bush administration decision to allow the transaction could become a major political headache for the White House.