House approves bill renaming Gulf of Mexico as "Gulf of America"

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 2:52 pm

**House Votes to Rename Gulf of Mexico "Gulf of America"**

In a move that has sparked controversy, the House of Representatives has approved a bill to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America." The vote, which passed with a narrow margin of 211 to 206, largely along party lines, would codify an executive order from the Trump administration. The bill, introduced by Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, mandates federal agencies to update all documents and maps within six months of enactment.

The bill now heads to the Senate, where its fate remains uncertain. Even if passed into law, the name change wouldn't compel other countries to adopt the new designation.

Supporters, like Greene, argue the change is a matter of national pride. However, Democrats have widely criticized the effort, calling it a waste of taxpayer money and a distraction from more pressing issues. Some, like Representative Don Bacon, have even called the proposal "juvenile."

The estimated cost to update federal documents is less than $500,000 over five years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. However, Democrats have raised concerns about the additional costs for schools, libraries, and local governments to update their materials.

The White House has also weighed in, restricting access for Associated Press reporters who continue to use the original name. The Associated Press sued over the restrictions and a federal judge ruled that the White House restore its access to the Oval Office, Air Force One and other spaces and events when they are open to other reporters.

Keywords: Gulf of Mexico, Gulf of America, House of Representatives, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Don Bacon, renaming, bill, executive order, Trump, Democrats, Republicans, vote, Congress, federal agencies, maps, documents, Associated Press, White House, name change, legislation

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