House Republicans Introduce Bill to Allow Trump to Negotiate Panama Canal Repurchase for $1

Jan 9, 2025, 05:43 PM

Representative Dusty Johnson, a Republican from South Dakota, has introduced the Panama Canal Repurchase Act of 2025, which would authorize President-elect Donald Trump to negotiate the reacquisition of the Panama Canal from Panama for the symbolic amount of $1. The bill, co-sponsored by 15 other House Republicans, aims to address concerns about China's growing influence around the canal. Johnson emphasized the strategic importance of the canal to the United States, citing its role in military and economic security. The legislation requires the president to report to Congress on the progress of negotiations within 180 days of the bill's enactment. Trump has expressed interest in reacquiring the canal, highlighting its significance to U.S. interests and criticizing past decisions to relinquish control to Panama.