House Passes Bill to Rename Gulf of Mexico as "Gulf of America"
Washington, D.C. — In a closely contested vote of 211 to 206, the House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America." This measure, spearheaded by GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, is a push to enshrine an executive order signed by President Trump on his first day in office. If the bill becomes law, federal agencies will be required to update all relevant documents and maps to reflect the name change within six months. The bill now heads to the Senate.
Supporters, primarily Republicans, argue that the name change symbolizes national pride and should resonate with American citizens. Greene emphasized its importance, claiming it was among the "most important" initiatives for Congress. However, this measure has garnered significant backlash from Democrats, who label it a frivolous use of taxpayer dollars amid pressing issues such as healthcare and social safety net programs.
Rep. Don Bacon, the only Republican to oppose the bill, criticized it as “juvenile,” calling for a higher standard of legislative focus. Critics, including California Dem. Rep. Jared Huffman, claim the bill detracts from more pressing matters, accusing the House of turning into a "joke."
Initial estimates from the Congressional Budget Office suggest updating federal documents would cost under $500,000 over five years, but critics highlight that schools and municipalities will face additional costs for amendments to textbooks and signage.
Meanwhile, the White House has affirmed its commitment to the name change, even imposing restrictions on the Associated Press for referring to the Gulf by its original name. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has yet to indicate if the Senate will address the measure amid other legislative priorities.
As the situation develops, the bill’s fate in the Senate remains uncertain.
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