
A recent push by President-elect Donald Trump for the U.S, reclaim the Panama Canal has inspired Republican lawmakers to draft a legislation aimed at making it a reality. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), chair of the Republican Main Street Caucus, introduced the Panama Canal Repurchase Act, which would authorize the federal government to negotiate buying back the canal from Panama.
The U.S. originally controlled the Panama Canal between the moment of its construction in 1914 until 1977, when President Jimmy Carter transferred it to Panama. Trump's proposal adds to his suggestions of also purchasing Greenland and absorbing Canada.