An Alabama congressman who is a staunch supporter of President-elect Donald Trump on Friday announced he has cosponsored a bill that would allow Trump to negotiate to reacquire the Panama Canal.

“The Panama Canal is a critical asset that we built and should have never given up,” said U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, R-Enterprise.

“China’s growing influence in this region is a threat to our national security and economic interests. President Trump is right. We need to put America first and prevent any foreign power from having undue influence over a waterway that is essential for U.S. commerce. This bill empowers President Trump to negotiate for its reacquisition, ensuring that America remains strong and secure.”

Along with annexing Canada and purchasing Greenland from Denmark, Trump’s new expansionist foreign policy includes returning the Panama Canal to American control from the Republic of Panama, which assumed control of the strategic waterway on Dec. 31, 1999.

On Friday, Moore cosponsored the Panama Canal Repurchase Act, introduced by Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D.

Trump, who said the Carter administration “foolishly” ceded control of the Panama Canal, cannot acquire the canal without congressional approval.

The Panama Canal Repurchase Act would allow Trump to enter negotiations to reacquire the canal.