Ambrose Bierce, the 19th century journalist and satirist, once defined politics as “A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles.” Which brings us to Congress’ disgraceful crusade against Dubai Ports World.

The state-owned business recently agreed to buy the British Peninsular & Oriental Steam Navigation Company, which operates terminals at half a dozen U.S. ports. President Bush supports the transfer of terminal operations, but many in Congress are determined to sink the deal. It looks like the House Appropriations Committee managed to do just that on Wednesday, voting 62-2 to block the transfer of port operations to DPW. The company responded by throwing up its hands and announcing that it would transfer terminal management at the six ports to a U.S. entity.

The House committee vote was so lopsided because politicians have been inundated by calls from constituents opposing the deal. The response from DPW was so prompt because its leaders, no fools, realize that with midterm elections just around the corner, Congress would forbid Mother Teresa from feeding the poor if enough voters considered her a security risk.

The Great Port Defenders claim to be acting in the interest of national security. But, as Rep. Jim Kolbe, R-Ariz., has had the guts to say, such claims are “bogus.” Port operators like DPW don’t provide security; the Coast Guard and Customs Service do. Moreover, according to The Wall Street Journal, many terminals at U.S. ports are already controlled by foreign companies. In the nation’s 10 busiest ports, more than 60 percent of all container terminals are managed, in part at least, by foreign companies.

Kolbe, by the way, was one of Wednesday’s two “no” votes, the other being Rep. James Moran, D-Va. It’s doubtful, though, that any of the 62 people voting to block the deal really believe DPW presents a security threat. What they believe, rather, is that their constituents believe it. According to The Washington Post, roughly 70 percent of Americans oppose the transfer of port operations to DPW – and that opposition doesn’t budge an inch even when people are told port operators don’t control port security. The principle here might be national security, but the primary interest of Congress is job security.

Ambrose Bierce defined “capital” as “the seat of misgovernment.” On some days, it looks like he wasn’t far off.