119-S-573 Journalist Public Summary

Public Summary — Document 119-S-573

Headline Summary: Congress is considering a one‑page bill to officially designate Alaska’s tallest peak as “Denali” in all federal uses, effectively reversing a January 2025 order that brought back “Mount McKinley.” [1]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — S.573 — 119th Congress: A bill to designat…[2]The White House — Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness | Presidential…

What It Does: The bill names the mountain at 63°04′12″ N, 151°00′18″ W “Denali” and directs every U.S. law, map, regulation, and federal record to use that name. In practice, it would settle the naming question in statute and guide federal databases, maps, and signage. [3]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — Text of S.573 (Introduced in Senate) | Con…

Why It Matters: In 2015, the Interior Department restored the Indigenous name Denali for federal use; in 2025, a White House order instructed Interior to reinstate “Mount McKinley” and update federal naming systems. Passing this bill would override that executive action and standardize “Denali” again across federal materials. [4]National Geographic — McKinley vs. Denali: Who Decides Names on a Map?[2]The White House — Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness | Presidential…[5]U.S. Department of the Interior — Interior Department Advances Restoration of H…

• Sen. Lisa Murkowski (sponsor) and Sen. Dan Sullivan (cosponsor) say the bill honors the long‑used Koyukon Athabascan name (often translated as “the Great/High One”) and reflects Alaskans’ consensus. [6]U.S. Senate (Sen. Lisa Murkowski) — Murkowski: “It’s Denali.” (Press Release)[4]National Geographic — McKinley vs. Denali: Who Decides Names on a Map?
• Alaska’s legislature passed a bipartisan resolution urging the federal government to keep the name Denali after the 2025 order, signaling broad in‑state support. [7]Associated Press — Alaska Legislature asks Trump to retain Denali's name instea…

• The Trump Administration’s position, set out in a January 20, 2025 executive order, is to reinstate “Mount McKinley” for federal use. [2]The White House — Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness | Presidential…
• Some politicians—historically including members of Ohio’s delegation—have preferred “Mount McKinley,” citing President McKinley’s legacy. [4]National Geographic — McKinley vs. Denali: Who Decides Names on a Map?

What’s Next: The bill was introduced on February 13, 2025 and referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee; a Subcommittee on National Parks hearing was held on December 9, 2025. It remains in committee awaiting further action. [1]Congress.gov (Library of Congress) — S.573 — 119th Congress: A bill to designat…