Expressing the sense of the Congress that the President should seek to negotiate a new base rights agreement with the Government of Panama to permit the United States Armed Forces to remain in Panama beyond December 31, 1999, and to permit the United States to act independently to continue to protect the Panama Canal and to guarantee its regular operation.

Calls upon the President, in consultation with the Congress, to negotiate a new base rights agreement with the Government of Panama to: (1) allow the permanent stationing of U.S. military forces in Panama beyond December 31, 1999; and (2) ensure that the United States will be able to act independently after such date to maintain the security of the Panama Canal and to guarantee its regular operation.