U.S. Legislation now Introduced to Purchase the Panama Canal
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. USA February 2025: U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson introduced the Panama Canal Repurchase Act. The act would authorize the purchase of the Panama Canal, which President-elect Donald Trump has expressed interest in. Trump suggested that his new administration will 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.
Republican Representative Dusty Johnson pictured above sits down for one-on-one interview with Dakota News
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 below:
119TH CONGRESS
1st Session
……………………………………………………………
(Original Signature of Member)
H. R. ll
To authorize the President to enter into negotiations for the reacquisition of the Panama Canal from the Republic of Panama.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on….
A BILL
To authorize the President to enter into negotiations for the reacquisition of the Panama Canal from the Republic of Panama.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled
1. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Panama Canal Repurchase Act of 2025’’.
2. SECTION 2. AUTHORIZATION TO NEGOTIATE.
(a) AUTHORIZATION.—The President, acting in coordination with the Secretary of State, is authorized to initiate and conduct negotiations with appropriate counterparts of the Government of the Republic of Panama to reacquire the Panama Canal.
(b) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the President shall submit a report to Congress detailing the progress of the negotiations authorized by subsection (a), potential challenges, and anticipated outcomes.
