House Passes 211–206 Bill to Rename Gulf of Mexico the ‘Gulf of America’

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 211–206 on Thursday, May 8, to pass the Gulf of America Act, formally changing the federal designation of the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” The legislation would codify an executive order President Donald Trump signed early in his current term. Authored by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, the measure directs federal agencies to revise maps, nautical charts and other government documents to reflect the new name. Republican lawmakers framed the bill as a recognition of U.S. economic and security interests in the waterway, while every Democrat present voted against it. The White House has indicated that President Trump will sign the bill if it reaches his desk. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where Republican leaders have not announced a timetable and some members, including Sen. John Thune, suggested the chamber faces higher-priority matters. Democratic critics argued the vote distracted from issues such as inflation and trade disputes, contending that lawmakers should focus on more pressing economic concerns. Republicans countered that U.S. taxpayers finance the defense and development of the gulf and that the name should reflect American stewardship.