SENSE OF CONGRESS CONCERNING THE PANAMA CANAL AND THE UNITED STATES SOUTHERN COMMAND

SEC. 1301. SENSE OF CONGRESS CONCERNING THE PANAMA CANAL AND THE UNITED STATES SOUTHERN COMMAND (a) Findings.—The Congress finds that— (1) the security of, and the free flow of shipping through, the Panama Canal are vital interests of the United States; and (2) the continued ability of the United States Southern Command (which currently has its headquarters in the Republic of Panama) to carry out assigned missions, especially the mission 102 STAT. 2060of defense of the Panama Canal, is essential to protecting and promoting the interests of the United States. (b) Sense of Congress.—In light of the findings in subsection (a), it is the sense of Congress that the President should take all steps necessary to ensure the continued ability of the United States Southern Command (or any successor command) to carry out assigned missions, especially the mission of defense of the Panama Canal.