07/06/1999
https://www.presidency.ucsb.edu...
"The canal, long a symbol of American power and prestige, now also symbolizes the unity and common purpose of the democratic nations of the Americas."
"We now have funding to protect all these places."
"It reflected the wisdom and foresight of American leaders who saw that our national interests at the end of the 20th century were best served by transferring the canal to Panama."
"This bill keeps a promise to our children and a promise to our veterans."