Summary of HRES 232 (House Resolution)

Overview

• Bill Number: HRES 232
• Title: 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
• Type: Non-binding resolution (introduced in the House)
• Introduced: March 21, 2025
• Status: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs
• Sponsors: Primary — Jodey C. Arrington; Cosponsor — Tim Burchett
• Related bill: SRES 31 (companion in the Senate)

Purpose and intent

HRES 232 expresses concern about the presence and influence of the People’s Republic of China in Panamanian ports and critical infrastructure, notably the ports of Balboa and Cristobal. It urges the Government of Panama to protect its neutrality, sovereignty, and security, and it calls for stronger U.S.-Panama cooperation and investments to safeguard access to the Panama Canal and regional security.

Key provisions (what the bill would urge or require)

1) Panama neutrality and access
- Reaffirm commitment to the permanent neutrality of the Panama Canal as defined by the Neutrality Treaty.
- Seek management structures that ensure unbiased, equitable access for vessels of all nations.

2) Management of strategic infrastructure
- Review and terminate agreements allowing Chinese state-owned enterprises or China-based private entities to manage strategic infrastructure, including Balboa and Cristobal ports.

3) Expulsion of PRC officials
- Expel all officials from the People’s Republic of China operating within Panamanian ports and other critical infrastructure projects.

4) Sovereignty and partnerships
- Reaffirm Panama’s sovereignty and security, pursuing partnerships aligned with democratic values and mutual respect.

5) U.S. role and support (policy recommendations)
- Leverage Neutrality Treaty provisions to monitor and address threats to canal neutrality.
- Provide technical, financial, and strategic support to Panama to assert sovereignty and reduce dependence on Chinese-affiliated entities.
- Strengthen regional collaboration to promote transparent, sustainable investments in infrastructure.
- Establish a framework to restore operational control of the canal to a cooperative U.S.-Panama partnership (honoring the Neutrality Treaty and Panama’s sovereignty) with U.S. expertise and resources.
- Offer U.S. investments to modernize canal infrastructure and provide alternatives to Chinese-funded projects.
- Develop a joint U.S.-Panama task force to oversee canal security and operations.

6) Regional and global monitoring
- Encourage Panama and regional/global allies to monitor and counter efforts by authoritarian regimes to gain leverage in the Western Hemisphere.

7) Transmission and diplomacy
- Directs that the Secretary of the Senate transmit a copy of this resolution to the U.S. President, the Secretary of State, the President of Panama, and the National Assembly of Panama.

Procedural timeline

• 2025-03-21: Referred to the House Committee on Foreign Affairs; submitted in the House for consideration.

Potential impact and scope

• This is a non-binding resolution. It expresses Congress’s policy preferences and urges actions by Panama and U.S. agencies and partners.
• If enacted as a policy stance, it could influence diplomatic messaging, accelerate discussions on Panama Canal governance, and shape potential U.S. policy and investment strategies regarding Panama’s infrastructure and security.
• It highlights ongoing U.S. concerns about foreign influence in critical infrastructure and signals support for Panamanian sovereignty and neutrality in canal governance.