Competition with China was front and center at a Senate hearing on the Panama Canal.
The Chair of the Federal Maritime Commission told lawmakers China’s grip has been around for some time.
“It’s a problem that has been going on for 20 years, which makes it very difficult to answer your question. It is a long answer. This is not a problem that occurred last week. This is not something that President Trump identified, this was going on all President Biden’s term, but of all of President Trump’s first term. It has been going on for decades and decades through both U.S. Republicans and Democrats as President. The only thing I can say is I echo was Ranking Member Cantell said, and I think others of both parties have echoed it, that we need some sort of overall maritime strategy. We have to acknowledge that this is part of our national security,” said Daniel B. Maffei.
During the hearing, Texas Senator Ted Cruz emphasized that China’s influence on the Canal is a national security risk. They also discussed shipping fees and ways to minimize the impact on American businesses.
Global food prices rose slightly in the latest FAO Food Price Index as vegetable oils, cereals, and meat increased, offsetting declines in dairy and sugar.
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Mexican livestock officials are emphasizing surveillance and inspection systems to preserve access to the U.S. cattle export market. Texas’ Bovina Feeders explains the rising stakes as the border stays closed.
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Cuban economic reforms could open up nearby export demand, but policy execution remains the key uncertainty.
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ASFMRA’s George Baird shares insight on spring planting progress, acreage trends, and the financial factors influencing Mid-South farmers this season.
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Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty explains how the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling and ongoing ‘America First’ trade policy raise new questions about U.S. farmland values and agricultural market stability.
March 04, 2026 12:04 PM
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Texas lawmakers secure funding for sterile fly production as officials work to stop the New World screwworm from spreading into the U.S. cattle herd.
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