(FORTUNE Magazine) – After months of dawdling, it looks as if Congress will approve additional aid to Panama this spring. President Bush has asked for $500 million. A top congressional aide says Bush has ''increased the prospects for action'' by hooking the request to his call for $300 million for Nicaragua. The money would provide Panama's economy with a much needed boost. Perhaps as important, it would clinch America's image as a friend of Panama's people. The U.S. invasion succeeded in its goal of removing General Noriega, and the large majority of Panamanians remain grateful. But the subsequent looting and vandalism begun by Noriega's Dignity Battalions devastated what is largely a service economy. Panama's Chamber of Commerce estimates that 90% of inventories and 10% of equipment were stolen or destroyed. Two out of three stores remain closed. Panama's unemployment rate has reached 30%. Congress remains concerned about the deficit and may not be as generous as Bush would like. Something soon, however, is a whole lot better than nothing. It would be money well spent.