House Republicans Approve Bill to Rename Area as the Gulf of America

Published: Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 4:11 pm

**House Republicans Push to Rename Gulf of Mexico as "Gulf of America"**

In a move sparking debate, the House of Representatives, led by Republicans, voted Thursday to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America." The bill, dubbed the "Gulf of America Act," passed with a narrow 211-206 vote and now heads to the Senate, where its fate is uncertain. The legislation aims to codify an executive order signed by President Trump on his Inauguration Day.

The bill's sponsor, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.), argued that the name change reflects pride in the waterway and the nation. Republicans are celebrating the House passage as a win for Trump's "America First" agenda. The bill mandates that all U.S. records, including laws, maps, and documents, reflect the new name.

Democrats vehemently opposed the measure, criticizing it as a frivolous use of legislative time, especially given pressing national issues. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) called the bill "silly" and "small-minded."

While the bill garnered strong Republican support, some moderates expressed frustration, viewing it as a symbolic gesture that distracts from more critical matters. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) called the move "sophomoric." The White House has voiced its support for the bill, emphasizing the Gulf's importance in shaping the nation's future. The bill's passage in the Senate is unlikely, as it would require at least seven Democrats to vote in favor of the bill.

BNN's Perspective:

From BNN's Perspective, this bill feels like a distraction. While symbolic gestures can have their place, focusing on renaming a body of water when there are significant economic, healthcare, and national security challenges feels like a misallocation of resources and attention. It's hard to see how this will tangibly improve the lives of Americans, especially those who rely on the Gulf for their livelihoods. The focus should be on practical solutions, not symbolic name changes.

Keywords:

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