The Panama Canal Repurchase Act aims to authorize negotiations for the U.S. to regain control of the Panama Canal from Panama. Introduced by Rep. Dusty Johnson, the bill raised concerns about China’s influence at the canal, with supporters arguing for U.S. ownership to enhance national security. Opponents, including Panamanian officials, argue it infringes on sovereignty, while the bill awaits a vote in Congress.
The Fulcrum presents the “Congress Bill Spotlight,” a weekly report by Jesse Rifkin that highlights significant legislation introduced in Congress. This week features the Panama Canal Repurchase Act, a proposal that allows the President to negotiate the return of the Panama Canal from the Panamanian government. Although originally suggesting a $1 purchase price reflecting a historical myth, the official bill does not specify any price.
Introduced on January 9 by Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD), the bill currently lacks a Senate counterpart. The original idea of a $1 purchase price was intended as a nod to the myth surrounding President Jimmy Carter’s 1977 treaty that transferred control of the canal to Panama, which was ratified by the Senate in 1978 with a slim majority.
Donald Trump has criticized China’s growing influence at the Panama Canal, asserting that “China is operating the Panama Canal” which, while exaggerated, reflects concerns over increasing Chinese involvement and control at the canal’s adjacent ports. The U.S. still handles 72% of the canal’s cargo; however, Trump’s administration seeks to reassert U.S. authority over the strategic waterway, even hinting at the possibility of military action if negotiations are unsuccessful.
Supporters of the bill argue that the U.S. should regain ownership of the canal, citing concerns about foreign powers potentially using the canal as a strategic point in conflict. Representative Johnson stated, “President Trump is right to consider repurchasing the Panama Canal; America must project strength abroad.”
Opponents, including Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino, firmly reject the notion of U.S. ownership, emphasizing Panama’s sovereignty over the canal. The Biden administration’s Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged merits to the concerns surrounding supply chain security but reaffirmed the U.S.-Panama treaty, stating, “That is not going to change.”
The bill has garnered 29 co-sponsors, all Republican, and is pending a vote in the House Natural Resources Committee, which is led by Republicans. Jesse Rifkin, a freelance journalist, continues to explore impactful legislative matters in his weekly column for The Fulcrum.
The Panama Canal Repurchase Act has ignited a debate about U.S. control over the strategically significant canal and the implications of foreign influence, particularly from China. While supporters advocate for the bill due to national security concerns, opponents emphasize Panamanian sovereignty and existing treaties. The outcome remains uncertain as the legislation awaits further consideration in Congress.
Original Source: thefulcrum.us
