(a) For the purposes of managing, operating, and maintaining the Panama Canal and its complementary works, installations and equipment, and of conducting operations incident thereto, in accordance with the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 and related agreements, the Panama Canal Commission (hereinafter in this chapter referred to as the "Commission") is established as a wholly owned government corporation (as that term is used in chapter 91 of title 31) within the executive branch of the Government of the United States. The authority of the President with respect to the Commission shall be exercised through the Secretary of Defense.
(b) The principal office of the Commission shall be located in the Republic of Panama in one of the areas made available for use of the United States under the Panama Canal Treaty of 1977 and related agreements, but the Commission may establish branch offices in such other places as it considers necessary or appropriate for the conduct of its business. Within the meaning of the laws of the United States relating to venue in civil actions, the Commission is an inhabitant and resident of the District of Columbia and the eastern judicial district of Louisiana.
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (a), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 96–70, Sept. 27, 1979, 93 Stat. 452, known as the Panama Canal Act of 1979, which is classified principally to this chapter. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 3601 of this title and Tables.
Amendments
1996—Pub. L. 104–106 amended section generally. Prior to amendment, section read as follows: "There is established in the executive branch of the United States Government an agency to be known as the Panama Canal Commission (hereinafter in this chapter referred to as the 'Commission'). The Commission shall, under the general supervision of the Board established by section 3612 of this title, be responsible for the maintenance and operation of the Panama Canal and the facilities and appurtenances related thereto. The authority of the President with respect to the Commission shall be exercised through the Secretary of Defense."
Recommendations by President on Changes to Panama Canal Commission Structure
Pub. L. 102–484, div. C, title XXXV, §3522, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2657, provided that:
"(a)
"(b)
"(1) The Secretary of State.
"(2) The Secretary of Defense.
"(3) The Secretary of the Treasury.
"(4) The Secretary of Commerce.
"(5) The Secretary of Transportation.
"(6) The Panama Canal Commission.
"(c)
Report by Comptroller General on Changes to Panama Canal Commission Structure
Pub. L. 102–484, div. C, title XXXV, §3523, Oct. 23, 1992, 106 Stat. 2658, provided that:
"(a)
"(b)
"(1) The Secretary of State.
"(2) The Secretary of Defense.
"(3) The Secretary of the Treasury.
"(4) The Secretary of Commerce.
"(5) The Secretary of Transportation.
"(6) The Panama Canal Commission.
"(c)