WASHINGTON – House Republican leaders on Tuesday embraced legislation that would block a Dubai-owned company from taking over operations at several U.S. ports, brushing aside a veto threat from President Bush.

“We want to make sure that the security of our ports are in America’s hands,” said Rep. Jerry Lewis, R-Calif., whose House Appropriations Committee planned to approve the measure today.

The legislation is expected to reach the House floor next week.

Many lawmakers have spent weeks criticizing the Bush administration for approving DP World’s purchase of London-based Peninsular &Oriental Steam Navigation Co., which holds contracts at several U.S. ports.

They oppose the deal because a foreign government would be managing terminals at American ports. Dubai, part of the United Arab Emirates, controls the company.