House Republican introduces bill for Trump to retake Panama Canal
House Republicans have initiated the drafting of a bill that would enable President-elect Donald trump too negotiate the potential retaking of the Panama Canal. This move follows Trump’s recent comments suggesting he would explore military action to reclaim the canal. The proposal, introduced by Rep.Dusty Johnson (R-SD), would grant Trump the authority to negotiate with Panama for the canal’s reacquisition. This legislation aims to pave the way for Trump’s plans once he assumes office, reflecting ongoing republican support for his agenda.
House Republican introduces bill paving way for Trump to retake Panama Canal
Just one day after President-elect Donald Trump mused about retaking the Panama Canal, House Republicans have already begun drafting legislation that would allow him to enter into negotiations to do so once he takes office.
Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) introduced a bill Wednesday that would authorize Trump to begin negotiating with Panama “for the reacquisition of the Panama Canal from the Republic of Panama for the symbolic amount of $1.” The bill would then require Trump to submit a report to Congress detailing the negotiations, including any “potential outcomes” or “anticipated outcomes.”
“President Trump is right to consider repurchasing the Panama Canal,” Johnson said. “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.”
The bill comes just one day after Trump did not rule out using military force to retake the Panama Canal, which the United States returned to Panama’s control decades ago. However, some Republicans have long objected to that treaty, arguing the U.S. should have control because it built and paid for the shipping lane.
Trump previously suggested he would try to regain control of the Panama Canal, accusing the country last month of charging U.S. vessels “exorbitant prices” and threatening to take control of the canal “in full” and “without question” if those prices are not reduced.
Panama officials were quick to rebuke Trump, with Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino last month declaring, “Every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent area belong to PANAMA.”
Mulino also rejected suggestions that U.S. vessels are being overcharged, noting all countries are charged at the same rates.
It’s not yet clear when the bill may be brought up for a vote in the House, but the proposal has already been rebuffed by Democratic leaders in the House.
“House Democrats believe that we are not sent to Washington to invade Greenland, rename the Gulf of Mexico, or seize the Panama Canal by force,” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) told reporters Wednesday, referring to other suggestions by Trump to take control of Greenland and rename the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America.
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