An act to provide for the operation and maintenance of the Panama Canal under the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977, and for other purposes.

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Panama Canal Act of 1979 - Title I: Administration and Regulations - Chapter I: Panama Canal Commission - Establishes the Panama Canal Commission to operate and maintain the Panama Canal, subject only to the direction of the Secretary of Defense. Requires the President to appoint an Administrator, a Deputy Administrator, and a Chief Engineer with the advice and consent of the Senate. Establishes a Panama Canal Consultative Committee to advise the United States and Panama on policy affecting the Canal. Requires such Committee to submit written proposals for action to the President, subject to Congressional disapproval, 60 days prior to taking any action. Authorizes the President to establish a Joint Commission on the Environment with Panama to review periodically the environmental impact of the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977. Provides for a military officer to assume jurisdiction over the Canal if the United States is at war or war is imminent. Directs the United States Ambassador to Panama to coordinate the transfer of functions to be assumed by Panama pursuant to the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977. Chapter 3: Employees - Authorizes the Panama Canal Commission to appoint, fix the compens…