House to Vote on Permanently Renaming Gulf of Mexico to "Gulf of America"
The House of Representatives is poised to vote this week on a bill that would officially and permanently rename the Gulf of Mexico as the "Gulf of America." The move, spearheaded by Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, seeks to enshrine an executive order previously issued by former President Donald Trump into federal law.
The bill has already cleared a significant hurdle, advancing through the House Rules Committee on a party-line vote Monday evening. The Rules Committee acts as a gatekeeper for most legislation before it reaches the House floor, giving it considerable power over the legislative agenda. With the committee’s approval, the bill is now slated for a full House vote, expected to occur Thursday morning.
The proposed name change originates from an executive order signed by President Trump as part of his "America First" policy agenda. Supporters of the renaming argue that it reflects the Gulf’s importance to the United States and symbolizes American strength and leadership. However, without congressional action, a future presidential administration could easily reverse Trump’s executive order, prompting Greene to introduce the bill to solidify the name change into law.
Republicans have largely rallied behind the bill, framing it as a symbolic but important affirmation of American identity and a tribute to the Trump administration’s policies. Representative Harriet Hageman of Wyoming, a vocal supporter of the bill, argued that renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America is a historic move that signals to the world that America is standing tall and proud. She emphasized the Gulf’s critical role in achieving American energy independence and dominance, highlighting its importance in President Trump’s agenda to reassert America’s role as a global leader in energy production.
Hageman also alluded to the 2024 election results, claiming they demonstrated that the American people support these policies and that Congress must deliver on the promises made.
Democrats, however, have vehemently opposed the bill, decrying it as a politically motivated and frivolous waste of time and resources. They view the renaming effort as a shallow attempt by Republicans to curry favor with former President Trump and cater to his personal preferences. During the House Rules Committee debate, Democrats introduced several protest amendments, including one that sought to limit oil and gas drilling permissions in the Gulf region. However, these amendments were ultimately unsuccessful, failing to gain enough support to be included in the final bill.
Representative Mary Gay Scanlon, a Democrat from Pennsylvania and a member of the House Rules Committee, strongly criticized the bill during her opening statement. She accused House Republicans of engaging in embarrassing displays of subservience to President Trump, driven by his "peculiar obsessions." Scanlon labeled the bill a "stupid, unserious waste of time and taxpayer dollars" and expressed her belief that its introduction was an "embarrassment to the nation."
The partisan divide over the bill underscores the deep political polarization in Washington, even extending to seemingly symbolic issues like the renaming of a body of water. The debate reflects broader disagreements about American identity, the legacy of the Trump administration, and the direction of the country’s energy policy.
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly weighed in on the Democrats’ protest amendments, accusing them of being consumed by "Trump Derangement Syndrome" and prioritizing obstruction of the President’s agenda over the best interests of the country. Kelly reiterated President Trump’s view that the Gulf of America is an integral asset to the nation and that future generations should recognize its significance as a symbol of American greatness.
The impending House vote on the bill is expected to be closely watched, particularly given the highly charged political atmosphere. The outcome will likely reflect the current partisan balance in the House and the degree to which Republicans are unified in their support for the measure. Regardless of the outcome, the debate surrounding the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico has served to highlight the deep divisions within American politics and the enduring influence of former President Trump on the Republican Party.
The bill’s prospects in the Senate remain uncertain, even if it passes the House. The Senate’s more moderate composition and the possibility of a filibuster could present significant obstacles to its enactment.
The vote is anticipated to be a roll call vote. All members of the House of Representatives are expected to be present to vote for or against the bill. The House has a slim Republican majority which will affect the bill’s possible passage.
Fox News Digital is reporting that, if the bill is passed, the government will need to change all official documents, signage, maps, and other materials to reflect the new name. This will require the expenditure of more taxpayer money.
