Gulf of America Act Passes U.S. House

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the Gulf of America Act of 2025, by a vote of 211–206. The vote, which took place Thursday, May 8, codifies the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." The legislation, introduced by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA), formalizes President Donald Trump's Executive Order 14172, which directed federal agencies to adopt the new name in official documents and maps.

House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) endorsed the measure, stating, "Today, House Republicans advanced a meaningful part of President Trump's America first agenda by voting to officially rename the Gulf of America. This action will ensure continuity across the federal government and honor the region with a name that recognizes American greatness." 

U.S. Representatives Barry Moore (R-AL1) , Gary Palmer (R-AL6) and Robert Aderholt (R-AL4) were quick to laud the passage of the Act in statements and social media posts.

Rep. Moore, whose 1st Alabama Congressional District includes both Baldwin and coastal areas of Mobile Counties, said, "I proudly represent a district on the Gulf of America, which plays a vital role in our economy, energy independence, and national security. I support President Trump's mission to reclaim this beautiful body of water and give it a name that honors our nation."

Rep. Palmer posted on Facebook that he was “Proud to vote in favor of The Gulf of America Act!” The graphic from his Page is used as the cover image for this article.

Rep. Aderholt said in a statement that, "As a representative of Alabama, a state with a proud and vital coastline along this body of water, I believe this renaming is both appropriate and timely. The Gulf is integral to our national economy, energy independence, and security. Calling it the 'Gulf of America' reflects the deep connection our nation—and especially our Gulf states—have with this region. Alabama's coastal communities, from Mobile to Orange Beach, rely on the Gulf for jobs, tourism, and natural resources, which in turn is vital to our entire state. This legislation is a reaffirmation of our stewardship and sovereignty over these waters."

Supporters argue the renaming reflects America's strategic and economic influence over the region, which borders Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida and is a major hub for offshore petroleum production.

The renaming has sparked a highly partisan debate. Democrats criticized the move as a distraction from pressing issues, arguing it wastes time and taxpayer money. Rep. Mary Gay Scanlon (D-PA) called it "the dumbest bill" in her six years in Congress.

Internationally, the renaming has met resistance. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated that Mexico does not recognize the change, emphasizing that the renaming is enforceable only within the United States.

The bill now proceeds to the Senate, where it faces uncertain prospects due to the need for bipartisan support to overcome a filibuster.