The U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee convenes to evaluate the Panama Canal's growing influence on American trade and national security. The hearings focus on concerns over rising canal fees, increasing congestion, and the potential impact of foreign influence on this critical trade route.
Senators hear testimony from maritime industry leaders, trade experts, and defense officials, all emphasizing the canal’s pivotal role in facilitating global commerce. The Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, handles a significant volume of U.S. trade, particularly in agriculture, energy, and manufacturing. Witnesses stress the importance of ensuring. . .