H.Res. 232 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Mar 21, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryUrges Panama to end Chinese port management
This resolution expresses concern about Chinese presence and influence in Panamanian ports and infrastructure, particularly at strategic facilities like the ports of Balboa and Cristobol. It calls on the Panamanian government to uphold the 1977 Neutrality Treaty and end agreements that allow Chinese state-owned or private companies to manage these key port facilities. The resolution also urges the U.S. government to use the Neutrality Treaty to address threats to the Panama Canal's neutrality and to create a joint U.S.-Panama task force focused on canal security.
How it affects you
This is a call for action directed at the Panamanian and U.S. governments rather than a law affecting most Americans directly. If enacted as policy, it could shape how the United States and Panama manage the Panama Canal and work together on canal security, but the resolution itself does not create direct changes for everyday people.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Mar 21, 2025)
This resolution expresses concern about the presence and influence of China in Panamanian ports and infrastructure, particularly in facilities with strategic significance such as the ports of Balboa and Cristobal.
The resolution calls on the Panamanian government to reaffirm its commitment to the permanent neutrality of the Panama Canal as defined by the Neutrality Treaty (i.e., the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal, signed in 1977) and terminate agreements allowing Chinese state-owned enterprises or private entities based in China to manage such strategic infrastructure. The resolution also urges the U.S. government to (1) leverage provisions of the Neutrality Treaty to address threats to the neutrality of the Panama Canal, and (2) develop a U.S.-Panama task force to oversee canal security and operations.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH.Res. 232
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.
Sponsor: Rep. Jodey C. Arrington (R-TX-19) · Introduced Mar 21, 2025 · International Affairs · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 21, 2025: “Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs.”