WASHINGTON -- Facing a Republican mutiny in Congress, the White House said Thursday that President Bush is open to compromise but would not retreat from a threatened veto of legislation that would block a Dubai-owned company from taking control of some U.S. port operations.
By a 62-2 margin, the GOP-dominated House Appropriations Committee voted to bar DP World, which is run by the government of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, from holding leases or contracts at U.S. ports. In the Senate, Democrats demanded a vote to stop the transaction.
The ports provision was added to a must-pass measure funding the war in Iraq and providing new hurricane relief. The White House expessed concern that the tactic could "slow down passage of vital funds and resources" but said Bush's veto threat still stood.
"Our focus is on continuing to work with Congress to move forward on this issue," White House press secretary Scott McClellan said. "The lines of communication are open. There are members who have concerns. We believe it's important to work with Congress to address those concerns, and find a way forward."
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