House Republican bill would pave way for Trump to acquire Panama Canal for US

Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) will introduce a bill that would authorize the president to purchase the Panama Canal and put it under U.S. control, an acquisition that President-elect Trump has been pushing over the last several weeks.

Johnson plans to introduce the Panama Canal Repurchase Act on Thursday, The Hill has learned.

“President Trump is right to consider repurchasing the Panama Canal. China’s interest in and presence around the canal is a cause for concern,” Johnson said in a statement.