A resolution calling on the Government of Panama to expel officials and interests of the People's Republic of China and terminate Chinese management of key Panamanian ports.

Senate Resolution

S.Res. 31

119th Congress

A resolution calling on the Government of Panama to expel officials and interests of the People's Republic of China and terminate Chinese management of key Panamanian ports.

In Committee

Introduced:Jan 23, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Eric Schmitt

Senator

Republican

MO

Cosponsors

5

Quick Stats

Policy Area

International Affairs

Summary

This resolution calls on Panama to expel Chinese officials and interests and terminate Chinese management of key ports including Balboa and Cristobal near the Panama Canal. It urges the U.S. to leverage the Neutrality Treaty and establish a joint U.S.-Panama task force for canal security.

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S338-339)

SponsorEric Schmitt (R-MO)

Introduced1/23/2025

StatusReferred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S338-339)

ChamberSenate

Data from Congress.gov

See this page through your district lens

Enter ZIP to personalize representatives and vote context.

Stay on top of this issue

Subscribe for weekly bill and representative updates.

Vote Prediction

A resolution calling on the Government of Panama to expel officials and interests of the People's Republic of China and terminate Chinese management of key Panamanian ports.

This resolution calls on Panama to expel Chinese officials and interests and terminate Chinese management of key ports including Balboa and Cristobal near the Panama Canal. It urges the U.S. to leverage the Neutrality Treaty and establish a joint U.S.-Panama t

Community Breakdown

Pass

0%

Fail

0%

0 predictions

This resolution calls on Panama to expel Chinese officials and interests and terminate Chinese management of key ports including Balboa and Cristobal near the Panama Canal. It urges the U.S. to leverage the Neutrality Treaty and establish a joint U.S.-Panama task force for canal security.

Bill Number: 31
Sponsor: Eric Schmitt (R-MO)
Introduced: 1/23/2025
Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S338-339)
Policy Area: International Affairs

Data from Congress.gov

AI-generated summary

Fact Sheet

Title: A resolution calling on the Government of Panama to expel officials and interests of the People's Republic of China and terminate Chinese management of key Panamanian ports.
Bill Number: 31
Sponsor: Eric Schmitt (R-MO)
Status: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S338-339)
Introduced: 1/23/2025
Summary: This resolution calls on Panama to expel Chinese officials and interests and terminate Chinese management of key ports including Balboa and Cristobal near the Panama Canal. It urges the U.S. to leverage the Neutrality Treaty and establish a joint U.S.-Panama task force for canal security.

Data from Congress.gov

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This resolution calls on Panama to expel Chinese officials and interests and terminate Chinese management of key ports including Balboa and Cristobal near the Panama Canal. It urges the U.S. to leverage the Neutrality Treaty and establish a joint U.S.-Panama task force for canal security.

Last updated: 1/6/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<p>This resolution expresses concern about the presence and influence of China in Panamanian ports and infrastructure, particularly in facilities with strategic significance such as the ports of Balboa and Cristobal.  </p><p>The resolution calls on the Panamanian government to reaffirm its commitment to the permanent neutrality of the Panama Canal as defined by the Neutrality Treaty (i.e., the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal, signed in 1977) and terminate agreements allowing Chinese state-owned enterprises or private entities based in China to manage such strategic infrastructure. The resolution also urges the U.S. government to (1) leverage provisions of the Neutrality Treaty to address threats to the neutrality of the Panama Canal, and (2) develop a U.S.-Panama task force to oversee canal security and operations. </p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Calls for expulsion of Chinese interests from Panama
Demands termination of Chinese port management
Expresses concern about Balboa and Cristobal ports
Urges U.S. use of Neutrality Treaty provisions
Proposes U.S.-Panama canal security task force

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This resolution expresses Senate concerns about Chinese influence near the Panama Canal. It has no legal effect but signals support for reducing Chinese presence in Panamanian infrastructure and strengthening U.S.-Panama cooperation on canal security.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

International Affairs

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

31, 119th Congress (2025). "A resolution calling on the Government of Panama to expel officials and interests of the People's Republic of China and terminate Chinese management of key Panamanian ports.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-sres-31