Bills · HR 276
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 276Gulf of MexicoGeography and mapping
Gulf of America Act
INTRO JAN 9· LAST ACTION MAY 12
READING
1MIN
COSPONSORS
17
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it represents a significant symbolic change that also carries practical, administrative implications. If it becomes law, it would require a broad, coordinated effort across numerous federal agencies to update countless documents, maps, and laws, which would involve government time, effort, and potentially costs.
If the bill does not pass, the body of water would continue to be officially known as the "Gulf of Mexico," and no such administrative effort would be needed. The decision impacts national identity, historical naming conventions, and the allocation of government resources, prompting a discussion on the value of such a name change versus the operational effort involved.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
The bill officially renames the body of water currently known as the "Gulf of Mexico" to the "Gulf of America."
This is the core action of the bill, enacting a significant symbolic and official name change for a major geographic feature.
PROVISION 02
All existing references to the "Gulf of Mexico" in federal laws, maps, documents, and records will automatically be considered references to the "Gulf of America."
This provision ensures legal and official consistency without requiring individual amendments to every existing mention.
PROVISION 03
The Secretary of the Interior, through the Board on Geographic Names, will oversee the implementation of the renaming across all federal documents and maps.
This establishes a clear authority responsible for managing the nationwide transition to the new name.
PROVISION 04
Each federal agency is required to update its own documents and maps to reflect the new name within 180 days after the bill becomes law.
This sets a specific deadline for all government entities to comply with the name change, ensuring timely implementation.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 17
R· Georgia
YRS IN OFFICE
5
BILLS LED
15
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 0 REP 17 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
22 EVENTSMAY 12
Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 73.
MAY 8
Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 377. (consideration: CR H1914-1921)
MAY 8
Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 276 and H.R. 881. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 276 and H.R. 881 under a closed rule with one hour of debate and one motion to recommit on each bill.
MAY 8
DEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H.R. 276.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 276
Congress119th
StatusPassed House
IntroducedJan 9, 2025
Last actionMay 12, 2025
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PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS · NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 9, 2025
House BillHR 276Gulf of MexicoGeography and mapping
Gulf of America Act
INTRODUCED JAN 9, 2025· LAST ACTION MAY 12, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
1 min
COSPONSORS
17
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
