House Approves 'Gulf of America' Name Change, Senate Vote Next

The GOP-led House of Representatives passed a bill to officially rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America," codifying an executive order issued by President Donald Trump on his inauguration day. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, aims to make the name change permanent by requiring all federal records to reflect the new designation within 180 days and mandates the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to oversee the transition. The bill passed largely along party lines with a 211-206 vote, including all Democrats opposing it and one Republican, Rep. Don Bacon, voting against. Republicans defend the change as a matter of national pride and economic importance, highlighting the Gulf's significant role in oil, gas production, and business. Democrats, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon, criticized the bill as a waste of time and taxpayer money, arguing it distracts from more pressing legislative priorities. The measure now heads to the Senate, where it faces slim chances due to expected Democratic opposition and the need for bipartisan support to overcome a filibuster.