"We wouldn't turn over our customs service or our border patrol to a foreign government. We shouldn't turn over the ports of the United States, either"

This quote by Robert Menendez is referring to the idea of enabling a foreign federal government to control the ports of the United States. He is recommending that it would be unwise to do so, as it would be similar to enabling a foreign federal government to manage the customizeds service or border patrol of the United States. He is suggesting that the ports of the United States are simply as important as the custom-mades service and border patrol, and should not be distributed to a foreign government. He is suggesting that the United States should preserve control over its ports, as it makes with its customs service and border patrol. This quote is a tip that the United States should remain alert in safeguarding its borders and ports, and need to not offer away control to a foreign federal government.