Bill · H.Res. 232· House(119-HRES-232)
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.
- Introduced
- 3/21/2025
- Last activity
- 3/21/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- Sponsored by
- Jodey Arrington
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
A House resolution is the House speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the House agrees to it, it is officially the House's word; it is not a law, so the Senate and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution expresses serious concern regarding the influence of the People's Republic of China on Panamanian ports and infrastructure. It calls on the Government of Panama to expel Chinese officials and end agreements that allow Chinese entities to manage strategic assets like the ports of Balboa and Cristobal. The resolution further urges the United States government to support Panama in asserting its sovereignty and reducing dependence on Chinese-affiliated entities. It suggests that the U.S. should provide technical, financial, and strategic assistance to achieve these goals. Finally, it encourages global allies to monitor and counter economic exploitation by authoritarian regimes in the Western Hemisphere.
Yes· 3 of 4
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+6
It seeks to strengthen collaboration between the US, Panama, and other regional allies.
Does this send more money or help to other countries?+5
The resolution urges the US to provide technical, financial, and strategic support to Panama.
Does this make trade with other countries easier?+5
It aims to protect the neutrality and security of the Panama Canal, a vital global trade route.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Enhanced Security and Neutrality: By seeking management structures that ensure unbiased access for all nations, the bill aims to uphold the "permanent neutrality" of the Panama Canal (Section 2A).
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Protection of Sovereignty: The resolution calls for Panama to protect its own sovereignty and the security of the Western Hemisphere by seeking partnerships aligned with democratic values (Section 2D).
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Economic Support and Modernization: The U.S. is urged to offer significant investments to modernize Panama's canal infrastructure and provide alternatives to Chinese-funded projects (Section 3E).
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Increased Regional Security: The proposal to develop a joint United States-Panama task force is intended to enhance regional security and ensure freedom of navigation (Section 3F).
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Strengthened Partnerships: The resolution seeks to provide Panama with technical, financial, and strategic support to help them reduce dependence on entities affiliated with the People's Republic of China (Section 3B).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Disruption of Existing Management: The call to review and terminate agreements allowing Chinese state-owned or affiliated entities to manage strategic infrastructure, such as the ports of Balboa and Cristobal, could impact current operations (Section 2B).
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Potential for Military Intervention: The text notes that the Neutrality Treaty establishes an independent right for the United States to intervene militarily to ensure the canal remains open, secure, and accessible (Whereas clauses regarding the Neutrality Treaty).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+6Improves International Trade+5Increases Foreign Aid+5Improves Diplomatic Engagement+4
- 3/21/2025
- Submitted in House
- Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Tim BurchettRepublican · Tennessee