WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson introduced the Panama Canal Repurchase Act on Thursday. The act would authorize the purchase of the Panama Canal, which President-elect Donald Trump expressed interest in this week.
Donald Trump suggested this week that his new administration could try to regain control of the Panama Canal that the United States “foolishly” ceded to Panama in 1977 during Jimmy Carter’s time in the White House.
Johnson (R-SD) said that the move could improve national and economic security.
“President Trump is right to consider repurchasing the Panama Canal,” said Johnson in a news release. “China’s interest in and presence around the canal is a cause for concern. America must project strength abroad – owning and operating the Panama Canal might be an important step towards a stronger America and a more secure globe.”
According to the U.S. Department of State, around 72% of all vessel transits through the canal are coming from or destined to a U.S. port. It is also a key transit point for Coast Guard and Department of Defense vessels.
The Panama Canal Repurchase Act is cosponsored by U.S. Representatives Troy Nehls (R-TX), Mike Collins (R-GA), Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Barry Moore (R-AL), Jack Bergman (R-MI), Mike Rulli (R-OH), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Neal Dunn (R-FL), Randy Weber (R-TX), Andrew Clyde (R-GA), Erin Houchin (R-IN), Mike Lawler (R-NY), Aaron Bean (R-FL), Abraham Hamadeh (R-AZ), and Brian Babin (R-TX).
View the full bill here.
