GUERNSEY, Wyo. (AP) - Sen. Craig Thomas, R-Wyo., promised further scrutiny of a deal that would allow a company in the United Arab Emirates to take over operations at six major U.S. ports, saying he wished he'd learned of the deal before it was completed.

"I'm disappointed that the administration didn't better communicate their intentions before this sale to provide Americans with the knowledge of one of the major aspects of our economy and our homeland security interests," Thomas said.

President Bush is defending the deal against bipartisan criticism, saying he would veto any legislation that prevents the deal from going through.

Thomas didn't criticize the deal directly, but said many citizens were concerned about it - and rightly so.

"While I'm confident that security at the port is strong, the idea of foreign ownership of commercial activities of this nature is certainly cause for concern," Thomas said. "Our ports serve a vital aspect of our economy.

"In light of our ongoing national security concerns, my intention is to provide further scrutiny of this sale," he said.