President Donald Trump's suggestion of the U.S. taking control of the Panama Canal has a legal basis partly due to potential treaty violations involving Chinese activities in Panama.

The hearing follows President Donald Trump's vow to regain control of the Panama Canal, suggesting using military force.

Rubio's stop in Panama also comes as Trump in recent weeks has said he wants the Panama Canal back under U.S. control, claiming that “American ships are being severely overcharged and not treated fairly in any way,

Mr. Duffy, a former congressman who had appeared on track to sail through with little opposition, overcame a last-minute swell of Democratic anger over the White House’s sweeping funding freeze.

Duffy, a 53-year-old former Wisconsin congressman and reality TV star, was approved on a 77-22 vote in the Senate.

The U.S. Senate voted 77 to 22 on Tuesday to confirm former Representative Sean Duffy to head the U.S. Transportation Department. President Donald Trump's pick says Boeing needs "tough love" to get back on track after a 2024 mid-air emergency and vowed not to approve additional 737 MAX production until the planemaker makes safety improvements.