The Rocket

Issue date: 2/24/06 Section: News

Media Credit: ERIC SEALS/DETROIT FREE PRESS President George W. Bush descends the ladder on Air Force One in Auburn Hills, Mich. Monday.

President Bush didn't know about the deal to allow a state-owned United Arab Emirates company to manage terminals at six major U.S. ports until after his administration had approved it, White House officials said Wednesday.

The White House also acknowledged that it made a mistake in not briefing Congress about the pending transaction, which has ignited a bipartisan firestorm on Capitol Hill and among governors of some affected states.

Rep. Sue Myrick, R-N.C., who's usually a Bush supporter, sent him a one-sentence letter Wednesday, which said: "In regards to selling American ports to the United Arab Emirates, not just NO, but HELL NO!"

"I mean, in hindsight, when you look at this and the coverage that it's received and the false impression that is left with some, we probably should have briefed members of Congress about it sooner," White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan said.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., and House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., called Tuesday for Bush to freeze the deal until it's reviewed more thoroughly, and Frist promised legislation to achieve that if the president won't.

Bush threatened to veto such legislation, and the White House reaffirmed his threat Wednesday.

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