Sec. 1051. Report on Panama Canal security
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/bill/118/s/4638/rs/section-1051·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Not later than May 30, 2025, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to the Committees on Armed Services of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report on the vulnerabilities, safety, and security of the Panama Canal. The report required under subsection
(a)shall include the following elements: Identification of authority limitations in the conduct of security cooperation activities and investments with the Panamanian Ministry of Public Security and Canal Authority related to protection of the Panama Canal area and associated critical infrastructure. An assessment of limitations in the abilities of the Department of Defense and the United States Coast Guard to identify, understand, and respond to threats and risks associated with the safe and secure operation of the Panama Canal. Identification of Panamanian partner abilities and limitations in force capability, response posture, cross-sector security coordination, policy and procedures, and other factors that could challenge partner support to higher United States Coast Guard vessel (wartime and auxiliary) transit requirements. Identification of Government of Panama laws and inter-Panamanian institution policy and territorial jurisdiction that affect the ability of the Department of Defense to support securing and defending the Canal. Identification of risks in relation to the Panama Canal Neutrality Treaty that could affect priority of United States transits during steady state, in crisis and conflict. An assessment of the interoperability of Panama and United States forces if support is requested to defend the Panama Canal area, and recommendations on how to organize, train, and equip United States forces, partner forces, and ensure bilateral preparedness. Identification of external threats to and malign influence on Panama Canal sovereignty and its operations in steady state, in crisis and in conflict. Identification of People's Republic of China
(PRC)statecraft or PRC-backed entity capabilities, strategies, and limitations to disrupting regular Canal operations for intended military effect on United States force and sustainment flow, including by accounting for kinetic and non-kinetic means, including cyber and information domain, and potential condition-setting for these threats pre-crisis. Identification of logistical, force protection, and other throughput challenges to ensuring United States force and sustainment flow via the Canal and Canal area, when uncontested by other state actors, in support of a major contingency in another theater of operation. A projection of likely operating conditions in and around the Canal system based on United States throughput demand, including vulnerabilities to accidents, basic security incidents, and climate-induced or other water management challenges that may impede throughput. An assessment identifying recommended United States investments to enhance the capabilities of the Panamanian Ministry of Public Security and Canal Authority to ensure the safety and security of the Panama Canal area. An assessment of the Panama Canal’s information technology and operational technology infrastructure and systems.