Further complicating the various onshore packages is the fact that time-pressed, budget-conscious cruisers are opting for trips that depart from and return to Seattle (the 1886Passenger Services Act requires ships that sail from U.S. ports to return to the same place).

FORBES

Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, whose home state of Mississippi benefits from cargo ships transiting the canal, and House Speaker Newt Gingrich of Georgia should act promptly so that Mr. Clinton and Vice President Al Gore will be unable to point their fingers to Capitol Hill when the question is asked: Who lost the Panama Canal.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Panama slipping into China's ready grasp?

Some believe that retrofitting ships with equipment like "scrubbers" that remove harmful emissions from vessels could help the industry to clean up its act.

CNN: Shipping looks to clean up its act