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House adopts resolution to rename 'Gulf of Mexico' to 'Gulf of America' in official usages
Summary
The House adopted a nonbinding resolution urging public bodies to use the term 'Gulf of America' instead of 'Gulf of Mexico' by July 4, 2025; the measure drew a partisan floor speech and several failed amendment attempts before adoption.
The Michigan House adopted House Resolution 93 on the floor, a nonbinding measure urging public bodies in the state to replace the term "Gulf of Mexico" with "Gulf of America" in official communications and to take steps toward implementing that change by July 4, 2025.
Representative Maddock introduced the resolution and framed it as celebratory and patriotic. On the floor he said, "Let's do something bright for all of America" and argued the change would give "America more to be proud of." The measure attracted multiple floor amendments; the clerk recorded at least six floor substitute amendments offered by Representatives Pies, Kamlin, Hope, Weiss, and Andrews. The transcript indicates each substitute was brought to a vote and not adopted. After the amendment process, the resolution was adopted by voice vote.
The resolution is symbolic and does not change federal or international geographic names or compel compliance by other jurisdictions. The House's action directs Michigan public bodies only with respect to the state's official communications and recommends steps for implementation by the cited target date.
