Just received via e-mail and posted by Sen. Bill Frist on the VOLPAC blog:

News that a Middle-East based firm is seeking to purchase the operating rights to several U.S. ports – from New York to New Orleans – raise serious questions regarding the safety and security of our homeland.

Post 9/11 prudence warrants – at the very least – a more extensive review of this matter. As Ronald Reagan used to say: ‘trust, but verify.’ And that’s what we need to do. The simple fact is, there’s no such thing as being ‘too careful’ in a post 9/11 world.

As of today, I’m requesting briefings on this deal. If the Administration does not put the deal on hold, I will introduce legislation doing so … to ensure that this decision gets a more thorough review.

Common sense warrants it; our national security requires it.

I expect to be discussing this issue in greater detail this evening when I appear on Hannity & Colmes. I hope you will tune in. Much more to follow in the days ahead…

More on Frist from Reuters.

The real Kiss of Death: Jimmy Carter.

Chicago Tribune editorial echoes: Trust, but verify