Rep. Johnson Proposes Bill for Panama Canal Purchase

South Dakota Representative Dusty Johnson has introduced a bill authorizing the U.S. government to negotiate the purchase of the Panama Canal, a concept recently brought up by President-elect Donald Trump, who argues that the canal is vital for U.S. trade and national security. The bill stipulates that any deal would require the consent of the Panamanian government. Johnson emphasized the importance of the canal for American agriculture and energy, noting that 40% of U.S. container loads transit through it. He acknowledged concerns about China's investments in canal infrastructure but clarified that his bill does not include any military authorization for retaking the canal. Trump has not publicly commented on the specifics of Johnson's bill, but he has previously suggested that military force could be a consideration in this context. Observers warn that Trump's rhetoric could escalate international tensions, given the history of U.S. control over the canal until 1999.