WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA), a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee, released the following statement on the news that Dubai Ports World has sold off the U.S. port operations to a division of American Insurance Group:

"Today's announcement is welcome news.  It also should serve as a reminder of the urgent need for vigilant congressional oversight of Bush Administration policies, so that we do not lose control of critical infrastructure without debate or consensus.  When the new Congress convenes next month, I look forward to shining a light on a range of Bush Administration policies and conducting the type of oversight that has been completely absent during the Republican Congress."