Bush Unaware of Ports Deal Before Approval

By TED BRIDIS Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) -- President Bush was unaware of the pending sale of shipping operations at six major U.S. seaports to a state-owned business in the United Arab Emirates until the deal already had been approved by his administration, the White House said Wednesday.

"He became aware of it over the last several days," McClellan said. Asked if Bush did not know about it until it was a done deal, McClellan said, "That's correct." He said the matter did not rise to the presidential level, but went through a congressionally-mandated review process and was determined not to pose a national security threat

"The president made sure to check with all the Cabinet secretaries that are part of this process, or whose agencies or departments are part of this process," the spokesman said. "He made sure to check with them - even after this got more attention in the press, to make sure that they were comfortable with the decision that was made."

Bush and Cheney, both fishing of the banks of the Potomac in their overalls, were not available for consultation by administration officials so staff simply ok'd the deal. When asked about the discretion of his staff, Bush responded, "hey man, trust me. we got it all under control and we know what's best for the Amerrrican people."