Congressman Bell Leads Members of Missouri Delegation in Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Partnership with Panama

September 14, 2026 Press Release The resolution commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Missouri-Panama State Partnership Program Additionally, the legislation celebrates the enduring partnership between the State of Missouri and the Republic of Panama The Missouri-Panama State Partnership Program was established in 1996 through the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program Congressman Bell: “For thirty years, Missouri and Panama have stood together as partners and as friends” Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) led four bipartisan members of Missouri’s Congressional delegation in introducing a resolution commemorating 30 years of partnership between Missouri and Panama. "For thirty years, Missouri and Panama have stood together as partners and as friends," said Congressman Bell. "What began in 1996 as a National Guard partnership has grown into something far greater – three decades of shared training, disaster response, and cooperation that have made both Missouri and Panama safer and stronger. This partnership is proof that one of America's greatest strengths lies in our alliances and the relationships we build with nations who share our values. I'm proud to lead this resolution honoring those who have sustained this friendship, and I look forward to deepening these ties for the next thirty years and beyond." “For 30 years, the Missouri National Guard and Panama’s Public Forces have built a partnership grounded in trust, shared values and a commitment to strengthening our communities and our countries. What began as a military partnership has grown into a lasting relationship that reaches across education, trade, culture, and diplomacy. This anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the men and women who have helped build this partnership and to reaffirm our commitment to the strong ties between Missouri and Panama for years to come,” said Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO-04). Since coming to Congress, Congressman Bell has made it a priority to maintain and strengthen the relationship between Missouri and Panama. During the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), he worked to support language to strengthen cybersecurity cooperation between Panama and Missouri. Recently, Congressman Bell met with Panama's Ambassador to the U.S., José Miguel Alemán Healy. The National Guard's State Partnership Program (SPP) links U.S. states with partner nations around the world to build enduring military and civilian relationships, strengthen security cooperation, and advance shared interests. Established in 1996, the Missouri-Panama partnership is one of the program's longest-running, spanning three decades of joint training, disaster-response coordination, and exchanges that have strengthened both Missouri and Panama. Over the past 30 years, the Missouri National Guard and Panamanian forces have worked side by side on everything from emergency preparedness to humanitarian assistance, forging bonds that extend well beyond the military and into a broader friendship between the people of Missouri and the Republic of Panama. In addition to Congressman Bell, the bipartisan resolution was also co-led by members of Missouri’s Congressional Delegation, including Representatives Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO-05), Ann Wagner (R-MO-02), Mark Alford (R-MO-04), and Sam Graves (R-MO-06). The Missouri-Panama State Partnership resolution text can be found HERE .