Imagine waking up to find the Gulf of Mexico renamed the "Gulf of America." That's what a new rule from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) aimed to do. However, a new bill, SJRES87, seeks to stop this change in its tracks, keeping the name as it is.
What This Bill Does
SJRES87 is a proposed law that uses something called the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to block a specific rule from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management. This rule wanted to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America." The bill is very straightforward: it says that Congress disapproves of this rule, and if the bill passes, the rule will have no effect at all.
The CRA is a tool that Congress can use to stop new rules made by government agencies. When Congress uses the CRA, it can quickly cancel a rule without needing to change any existing laws. In this case, SJRES87 would stop the name change from happening by making the BOEM's rule invalid.
The bill was introduced by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse from Rhode Island on October 1, 2025. It was sent to the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, but there hasn't been any action on it yet. This means the bill is still in the early stages and hasn't been voted on or debated much.
Why It Matters
For most people, the name of a body of water might not seem like a big deal. However, changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico could have some real-world effects. For example, federal agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) would have to update maps and documents, which could cost a lot of money. This bill would prevent those costs by keeping the name the same.
The name change could also cause confusion for industries that rely on accurate maps and navigation charts, like shipping and fishing. The Gulf of Mexico is a major hub for these industries, and a name change might lead to misunderstandings or errors in navigation. By blocking the rule, SJRES87 aims to maintain the status quo and avoid these potential problems.
Internationally, the name change could affect relations with countries like Mexico and Cuba, which also border the Gulf. Keeping the name "Gulf of Mexico" helps maintain the current international agreements and avoids diplomatic issues.
Key Facts
- Cost/Budget Impact: No specific cost estimates are available, but blocking the rule avoids potential costs of updating federal documents.
- Timeline for Implementation: If passed, the bill would take immediate effect, nullifying the BOEM rule.
- Number of People Affected: Primarily affects federal agencies, Gulf Coast industries, and international partners.
- Key Dates: Rule published on June 6, 2025; bill introduced on October 1, 2025.
- Historical Context: Similar to past debates over geographic name changes, like the renaming of Mount McKinley to Denali.
- Legislative Process: The bill is currently in committee with no further action taken yet.
- Precedents: The CRA has been used before to overturn rules, but not specifically for geographic name changes.
Arguments in Support
- Preserves international norms: Keeping the name "Gulf of Mexico" avoids potential diplomatic tensions with neighboring countries like Mexico and Cuba.
- Avoids unnecessary costs: Federal agencies won't have to spend money updating maps and documents.
- Prevents symbolic overreach: Some see the name change as a performative act rather than a meaningful change.
- Maintains consistency: Avoids confusion in industries that rely on accurate geographic names, like shipping and fishing.
Arguments in Opposition
- Undermines enacted legislation: The bill could be seen as going against the will of Congress, which passed the original name change rule.
- Ignores national pride: Supporters of the name change argue it honors America's contributions to the region.
- Sets a precedent for CRA overuse: Using the CRA too often could weaken its effectiveness as a tool for Congress.
- Limits executive action: Blocks the implementation of a rule that was already approved by another part of the government.