House Republican introduces bill to allow Trump to negotiate Panama Canal purchase

Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., introduced the “Panama Canal Repurchase Act” on Thursday that would allow the U.S. president to enter negotiations over buying the Panama Canal and moving it under U.S. control.

President-elect Trump has discussed the issue recently.

“President Trump is right to consider repurchasing the Panama Canal. China’s interest in and presence around the canal is a cause for concern,” Johnson said in a statement. “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 would permit Trump to enter negotiations “for the reacquisition of the Panama Canal from the Republic of Panama for the symbolic amount of $1.” Trump would have to sent a report to Congress outlining the negotiations, specifically disclosing "potential outcomes" or "anticipated outcomes" to lawmakers.