Bill · S.Res. 31· Senate(119-SRES-31)
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.
- Introduced
- 1/23/2025
- Last activity
- 1/23/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S338-339)
- Sponsored by
- Eric Schmitt
- Cosponsors
- - 5 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
A Senate resolution is the Senate speaking for itself: stating a position, honouring someone, or setting its own rules. Adopting it is the whole process. Once the Senate agrees to it, it is officially the Senate's word; it is not a law, so the House and the President have no part in it.
What this bill would do
This resolution calls on the Government of Panama to remove officials and interests associated with the People's Republic of China from its ports and critical infrastructure. It expresses concern that Chinese-affiliated entities are managing major ports like Balboa and Cristobal, which could threaten the neutrality of the Panama Canal. The resolution urges Panama to terminate agreements with Chinese state-owned or China-based private entities to protect its sovereignty. Additionally, it asks the United States government to provide technical, financial, and strategic support to help Panama reduce its dependence on China. Finally, it seeks to establish a joint United States-Panama task force to oversee canal security and operations.
Yes· 3 of 7
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+6
The resolution promotes a strengthened collaborative partnership between the United States and Panama.
Does this make trade with other countries easier?+5
The resolution seeks to protect the neutrality and accessibility of the Panama Canal to ensure free and fair global trade.
Would business owners be better off under this?+4
Securing neutral trade routes can benefit global commerce and business operations.
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 Sovereignty: By calling for the termination of Chinese management of strategic infrastructure, the bill aims to protect the sovereignty of Panama and the security of the Western Hemisphere (Resolution Section 2, Part B and D).
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Protection of Global Trade: The resolution seeks to ensure the Panama Canal remains a secure, neutral, and accessible route for global commerce by addressing potential threats to free and fair navigation (Resolution Section s 1 and 3, Part F).
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Economic Support and Modernization: The bill urges the United States to provide significant investments to modernize Panama's canal infrastructure and offer alternatives to Chinese-funded projects (Resolution Section 3, Part E).
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Strengthened Partnerships: The resolution promotes a collaborative partnership between the United States and Panama, providing technical, financial, and strategic support to assist Panama in asserting control over its infrastructure (Resolution Section 3, Part B).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Economic Disruption via Terminated Agreements: The call for Panama to review and terminate existing agreements with Chinese state-owned enterprises and China-based entities could impact current management and infrastructure projects (Resolution Section 2, Part B).
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Impact of Expulsion of Officials: The directive to expel all officials from the People's Republic of China operating within critical infrastructure projects could impact current port and infrastructure operations (Resolution Section 2, Part C).
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+5Improves Cybersecurity Defense+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+4Good For Urban Residents+2
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+4
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Roads And Bridges+3
- 1/23/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations. (text: CR S338-339)
- 5 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Marsha BlackburnRepublican · Tennessee
Katie BrittRepublican · Alabama
Tom CottonRepublican · Arkansas
Roger MarshallRepublican · Kansas
Pete RickettsRepublican · Nebraska