§3616 Joint Commission on the Environment

Summary

The United States and Panama must create a Joint Commission on the Environment under the 1977 Panama Canal Treaty. It will have up to three representatives from each country, unless both governments agree on a different number. The U.S. members will review how the treaty is carried out and, together with Panama’s members, advise both governments on how to avoid or reduce harm to the environment from actions under the treaty. U.S. members are chosen by the President and serve at the President’s pleasure. They do not get a salary but may receive travel and per diem expenses under section 3617. Federal employees detailed to the Commission keep their pay, seniority, and benefits. The U.S. members may hire staff and set pay only if Congress provides the money in advance, and the two sides can adopt rules of procedure that both governments must approve.