Long Island Congressman Peter King (R-Seaford) is stepping up efforts to block the U.S. government from selling control of seaports to an Arab company.

Officials say the deal, expected to be finalized next Thursday, would allow a state-owned company from the United Arab Emirates to take control of half a dozen major U.S. seaports. King says he and Senator Chuck Schumer (D-New York) will introduce an emergency bill to suspend the deal.

President Bush says the country should not discriminate between a British or Middle Eastern country and adds he will veto any congressional effort to stop the takeover. King says he is confident there would be enough votes to override a presidential veto.