Senate holds hearing on concerns over the Panama Canal

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(28 Jan 2025)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:

POOL
Washington DC - 28 January 2025
1. Cutaway of hearing with the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
2. SOUNDBITE (English) Sen. Ted Cruz, Chairman, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation:
"This committee has jurisdiction under the Senate rules over the Panama Canal. And today we will examine evidence of potential violations. President Trump has highlighted two key issues. Number one, the danger of China exploiting or blocking passage through the canal. And number two, the exorbitant costs for transit."
3. Cutaway
4. SOUNDBITE (English) Sen. Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation:
"The larger issue is we need to understand what are the shortfalls of the current agreement that doesn't get at this upgraded technology concern. I would hope that Panama would be very cooperative in discussing these cybersecurity investments and what needs to mitigate. As we all know, the Panama Canal is, as an authority, independent. And they the Chinese government don't don't start the shipping rates. But the authority has been grappling with historic rainfalls, climate change and the solution, I believe, is for us to work together, as the Army Corps did before, on solutions in making sure that instability in water is not the cause of increase in rates."
5. Cutaway
6. SOUNDBITE (English) Louis Sola, Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission:
"The broader maritime sector in Panama, including the nation's ports water rights world's largest ship registry, falls under the direct preview of the Panamanian government. Unfortunately, the sector has faced persistent challenges, including corruption scandals and foreign influence, particularly from Brazil and China. These issues create friction with the ACP, especially as it works to address long term challenges securing adequate water supplies for the canal. Although the ACP operates independently under U.S. law, both the ACP and the Government of Panama's maritime sector are considered one in the same. This means any challenges in Panama maritime sector, including corruption, lack of transparency or foreign influence, can have a direct or indirect impact on the operations and long term stability of the canal."
7. Cutaway
8. SOUNDBITE (English) Louis Sola, Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission:
"Since 2015, Chinese companies have increased their presence and influence throughout Panama. Panama became a member of the Belt and Road Initiative and ended its diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Chinese companies have been able to pursue billions of dollars and development contracts in Panama. Many of which were projects directly on or adjacent to the Panama Canal. Many were no bid contracts, labor laws were waived, and the Panamanian people are still waiting to see how they have been benefited. It is all more concerning that many of these companies are state owned, and in some cases even designated as linked to the People's Liberation Army. We must address the significant growing presence and influence of China throughout the America and and in Panama specifically."
9. Cutaway
10. SOUNDBITE (English) Daniel Maffei, Commissioner, Federal Maritime Commission:
11. Cutaway
STORYLINE:
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is holding a hearing Tuesday to address concerns over the Panama Canal.





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