§3754 Congressional restraints on property transfers and tax expenditures; formal apprisal of Panama

Summary

Congress uses its power under Article IV, section 3, clause 2 to control and dispose of U.S. property. Before any U.S. property in the Republic of Panama is transferred under section 3784, the President must formally tell the Government of Panama five things. First, no payments will be made to Panama from U.S. tax money. Second, the United States will decide if and how U.S. tax funds are used to carry out U.S. rights or duties under the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 and related agreements. Third, after October 1, 1979, U.S. tax money cannot be used for treaty implementation unless Congress specifically authorizes and funds it. Fourth, the Commission cannot spend more than what is in the Panama Canal Revolving Fund. Fifth, these limits do not apply to moving the remains of the United States’ honored dead from Mount Hope Cemetery in the former Canal Zone to a proper, dignified resting place under Reservation 3 of the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal.