Panama Canal Defense Act of 1979

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Panama Canal Defense Act of 1979 - States the authority for this legislation. Stipulates that acceptance of payments by Panama under the provisions of this Act constitutes recognition of the rightful exercise of sovereignty by the United States in the Canal Zone under the terms of earlier treaties. 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. 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 or Panama 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 pursua…