Press Release: Bill to Rename Gulf of Mexico Fails in Alabama Senate Committee
HAYDEN, AL – A controversial bill introduced by state Rep. David Standridge, R-Hayden, to officially endorse President Donald Trump’s proposed name change for the Gulf of Mexico to "Gulf of America" was defeated in the Senate Committee on County and Municipal Government on Tuesday. The bill, known as HB247, resulted in a tie vote of four in favor and four against.
If passed, HB247 would have mandated all state and local government entities to use the new name in all newly created maps, documents, educational materials, websites, and official communications. Standridge defended the bill, suggesting it would provide consistency within federal and state materials following Trump’s executive order to rename the Gulf. “I think it’s just an appropriate name for a resource that we use more than any other country,” he stated.
However, Democrats questioned the necessity and implications of the bill, with Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison, D-Birmingham, expressing concern about altering historical references without acknowledging the region’s diverse heritage. “Why are we changing history and not giving credit to a population of people?” she asked.
Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Montgomery, additionally raised concerns regarding the financial implications for Alabama taxpayers in updating the state’s materials to reflect the new name. Standridge admitted that the costs were “unknown,” but noted that agencies would not be required to make updates that would impose an "operational or financial burden."
The defeat of HB247 marks a significant moment in Alabama’s legislative landscape, highlighting the complexities surrounding historical representation and state resources. The bill’s failure reflects ongoing debates about identity and recognition in state and federal governance.
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