House Republicans Introduce ‘Panama Canal Repurchase Act’

By /

A group of House Republicans want the U.S. to regain control of the Panama Canal amid worries that China is too involved in its operations.

Key Facts:

– Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., introduced the Panama Canal Repurchase Act, joined by 15 other House Republicans.
– President-elect Trump voiced alarm that China is exerting control over the canal.
– The bill would allow negotiations between the U.S. and Panama to reacquire the waterway.
– A required report to Congress must be delivered within 180 days if the measure passes.
– The canal is a vital route for both commercial and military vessels, saving roughly 8,000 miles of travel around South America.

The Rest of The Story:

The proposed legislation, called the Panama Canal Repurchase Act, is intended to give President-elect Trump the legal authority to open talks with Panama’s government to bring the canal back under U.S. ownership.

Rep. Johnson, who sits on key committees such as the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, said the move is a necessary step to ensure American security and influence.

In his view, it would protect a critical artery for global shipping and support American defense interests in the region.

President-elect Trump has repeatedly raised doubts about the canal’s current management, particularly regarding perceived Chinese involvement in the area.

During a recent press conference, he explained that he views the canal as essential for both economic and military reasons.

He believes the U.S. never should have surrendered control of the canal in 1999, stating, “It should have never been made.”

Panama’s government rejects claims that China has direct power over the canal.

However, China-based firms do manage important seaports and have invested heavily in surrounding infrastructure.

Supporters of the bill feel the U.S. must respond to China’s growing reach by taking decisive steps to bring the canal back under American oversight.

Opponents argue that buying back the canal could lead to expensive negotiations and possible diplomatic tension in the region.

Despite these concerns, House Republicans behind the effort say the potential strategic and economic benefits justify the move.

Commentary:

Regaining control of the Panama Canal could serve American interests well, but only if Panama is willing to agree.

If Panama does not support a full repurchase, negotiating better terms that offer stronger benefits for the United States would still be considered a victory.

In our view, that is likely what President-elect Trump is really aiming for—a deal that safeguards American interests without alienating Panama.

The Bottom Line:

This bill signals a strong desire among certain House Republicans to reverse a decades-old transfer of power over a key global trade route.

Many believe renewed American ownership would keep the canal secure from foreign influence.

READ NEXT: Famous Actor SLAMS Newsom, Bass, Other Dems For Devastating California Wildfires

Whether this proposal will gain enough traction to pass and lead to new negotiations with Panama remains to be seen.