A resolution expressing the vital importance of the Panama Canal to the United States.

Senate Resolution

S.Res. 54

119th Congress

A resolution expressing the vital importance of the Panama Canal to the United States.

In Committee

Introduced:Feb 4, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Mike Lee

R - UT

Cosponsors

4

Quick Stats

Policy Area

International Affairs

Summary

This resolution declares the Panama Canal vital to U.S. security and economic interests, expresses concern about Chinese investment in Panama port infrastructure, and asserts this may violate the Neutrality Treaty governing the canal. It urges the administration to ensure canal neutrality.

Latest Action

Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S598)

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

This resolution declares the Panama Canal vital to U.S. security and economic interests, expresses concern about Chinese investment in Panama port infrastructure, and asserts this may violate the Neutrality Treaty governing the canal. It urges the administration to ensure canal neutrality.

Last updated: 1/5/2026

Official Summary

Congressional Research Service summary

<p>This resolution expresses that the Panama Canal is vital to U.S. regional security, hemispheric hegemony, and economic interests. The resolution also assesses that Chinese-backed investment in Panama's port infrastructure and canal operations violates the Neutrality Treaty (i.e., the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal, signed in 1977) and urges the administration to ensure that the canal remains neutral.</p>

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Declares Panama Canal vital to U.S. interests
Expresses concern over Chinese port investments
Cites potential Neutrality Treaty violation
Emphasizes U.S. regional security interests
Urges administration to ensure canal neutrality

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

This resolution signals congressional concern about Chinese influence over Panama Canal operations and infrastructure, calling for executive action to maintain the neutrality guaranteed by the 1977 treaty.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

International Affairs

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

54, 119th Congress (2025). "A resolution expressing the vital importance of the Panama Canal to the United States.". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-sres-54