September 10, 2026
Mr. Bell (for himself, Mr. Cleaver, Mrs. Wagner, Mr. Alford, and Mr. Graves) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services
Recognizing the 30th anniversary of the Missouri-Panama State Partnership Program and celebrating the enduring partnership between the State of Missouri and the Republic of Panama.
Whereas the Missouri-Panama State Partnership Program was established in 1996 through the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program to strengthen cooperation between the Missouri National Guard and the Republic of Panama;
Whereas, for 3 decades, the partnership has fostered enduring military-to-military relationships, strengthened regional security, enhanced disaster preparedness and emergency response capabilities, expanded cybersecurity cooperation, and promoted professional exchanges that benefit both Missouri and Panama;
Whereas members of the Missouri National Guard and the Panamanian public forces have participated in numerous joint engagements, training exercises, humanitarian missions, and emergency response activities that have improved interoperability and readiness while building lasting personal and professional relationships;
Whereas the partnership has expanded beyond security cooperation to foster meaningful collaboration in education, public health, emergency management, agriculture, and civil society;
Whereas Panama is an important trading partner for Missouri, with Missouri exporting $17,700,000 in goods to Panama in 2025, including food products, machinery, chemicals, and transportation equipment;
Whereas trade between Missouri and Panama supports businesses, farmers, manufacturers, and workers while creating opportunities for greater economic cooperation and investment;
Whereas Missouri colleges and universities have developed partnerships with Panamanian institutions that create opportunities for student exchanges, academic collaboration, workforce development, research, and greater cultural understanding;
Whereas educational and cultural exchanges between Missouri and Panama help prepare future leaders, strengthen language and professional skills, expand academic opportunities, and foster lasting people-to-people connections;
Whereas the Panama Canal remains one of the world’s most strategically significant trade corridors, facilitating global commerce and supporting supply chains that benefit Missouri producers, exporters, businesses, and consumers;
Whereas the Missouri-Panama partnership demonstrates how the National Guard State Partnership Program advances United States interests by strengthening security cooperation, promoting regional stability, encouraging economic and educational engagement, and building trusted relationships with partners around the world;
Whereas the National Guard State Partnership Program provides members of the United States Armed Forces with valuable opportunities to train alongside foreign partners, exchange expertise, strengthen interoperability, and learn firsthand from the experiences and capabilities of allies and partners;
Whereas the friendship between the people of Missouri and Panama has grown stronger through 3 decades of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared commitment to democratic values, security, and prosperity; and
Whereas the 30th anniversary of the Missouri-Panama State Partnership Program provides an opportunity to recognize the accomplishments of this enduring partnership and reaffirm a shared commitment to expanding cooperation in the decades ahead: Now, therefore, be it
That the House of Representatives—
(1)
recognizes and celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Missouri-Panama State Partnership Program;
(2)
commends the Missouri National Guard, the Panamanian public forces, and the civilian, governmental, educational, and private sector partners that have contributed to the success of the partnership over the past 3 decades;
(3)
recognizes that the enduring relationship between Missouri and Panama strengthens both partners by building capabilities, sharing expertise, improving preparedness, and addressing shared challenges;
(4)
celebrates the security, economic, educational, and cultural benefits that have resulted from the partnership between Missouri and Panama;
(5)
recognizes the important role that trade, investment, academic exchanges, and workforce partnerships play in promoting economic opportunity and mutual prosperity in Missouri and Panama;
(6)
recognizes the importance of the National Guard State Partnership Program in advancing United States interests, strengthening international partnerships, improving military readiness and interoperability, and reinforcing the global leadership of the United States;
(7)
encourages continued collaboration between Missouri and Panama through the State Partnership Program and other bilateral initiatives; and
(8)
reaffirms the commitment of the United States to strengthening partnerships throughout the Western Hemisphere that promote democracy, economic opportunity, regional security, and mutual prosperity.