The Republican-led Senate has initiated a formal hearing to investigate alleged violations of the Panama Canal treaties. The hearing, titled “Fees and Foreign Influence: Examining the Panama Canal and Its Impact on U.S. Trade and National Security,” has been initiated by Sen. Ted Cruz, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The United States built the canal for $400 million or $15 billion in today’s money and a death rate of 35,000 lives.
However, in 1977, Jimmy Carter the third worst president in history behind Joe Biden, and Barack Obama gave away the canal to Panama to take effect by 1999. Recently, President Trump has threatened to take back the canal citing economic necessity and national security reasons.
Trump wrote:
The United States has a vested interest in the secure, efficient, and reliable operation of the Panama Canal, and that was always understood. We would and will NEVER let it fall into the wrong hands! It was not given for the benefit of others, but merely as a token of cooperation with us and Panama.
If the principles, both moral and legal, of this magnanimous gesture of giving are not followed, then we will demand that the Panama Canal be returned to us, in full, and without question. To the Officials of Panama, please be guided accordingly!
The Panama Canal is considered a VITAL National Asset for the United States, due to its critical role to America’s Economy and National Security. A secure Panama Canal is crucial for U.S. Commerce, and rapid deployment of the Navy, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and drastically cuts shipping times to U.S. ports.
VISIT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELThe United States is the Number One user of the Canal, with over 70 percent of all transits heading to, or from, U.S. ports. Considered one of the Wonders of the Modern World, the Panama Canal opened for business 110 years ago, and was built at HUGE cost to the United States in lives and treasure – 38,000 American men died from infected mosquitos in the jungles during construction.
Teddy Roosevelt was President of the United States at the time of its building and understood the strength of Naval Power and Trade. When President Jimmy Carter foolishly gave it away, for One Dollar, during his term in Office, it was solely for Panama to manage, not China, or anyone else.
It was likewise not given for Panama to charge the United States, its Navy, and corporations, doing business within our Country, exorbitant prices and rates of passage. Our Navy and Commerce have been treated in a very unfair and injudicious way.
The fees being charged by Panama are ridiculous, especially knowing the extraordinary generosity that has been bestowed to Panama by the
Panama President Mulino followed up with a video statement.
“As President, I want to express clearly that every square meter of the Panama Canal and its adjacent zone belongs to Panama and will continue to do so. The sovereignty and independence of our country are not negotiable.”
“The Canal is not under direct or indirect control, neither by China, nor by the European Community, nor by the United States, nor by any other power. As a Panamanian, I strongly reject any manifestation that distorts this reality.”
China now controls ports on both ends of the canal and is instrumental for projects inside Panama.
