119-SJRES-93 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

A Senate resolution to overturn the Interior Department’s rule that swapped “Gulf of Mexico” for “Gulf of America” in offshore-energy regulations. [1]Justia Regulation Tracker — Restoration of Names That Honor American Greatness;…

What It Does

S.J. Res. 93 uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to disapprove a final rule issued on September 15, 2025 by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). That rule replaced every reference to the Gulf of Mexico with “Gulf of America” in BSEE’s regulations, implementing Executive Order 14172. Passing the resolution would void that rule. [1]Justia Regulation Tracker — Restoration of Names That Honor American Greatness;…[3]The White House — Executive Order: Restoring Names That Honor American Greatnes…

Under the CRA, if a disapproval resolution becomes law, the targeted rule is treated as though it never took effect—and the agency may not issue a new rule that is “substantially the same” unless Congress later authorizes it. [2]Legal Information Institute — 5 U.S.C. § 801 (Congressional review)[4]Congressional Research Service via Congress.gov — The Congressional Review Act…

The BSEE rule itself said the name change was a technical edit that did not alter public rights or obligations. Other agencies have made similar edits in their own rules (for example, NOAA), which would remain in place unless Congress separately overturns them. [1]Justia Regulation Tracker — Restoration of Names That Honor American Greatness;…[5]NOAA Fisheries — NOAA announces Final Rule to Implement Gulf of America Name Ch…

Why It Matters

• Maps, permits, and contracts: The resolution aims to keep BSEE’s regulations using the long‑standing “Gulf of Mexico,” avoiding further federal harmonization costs inside that bureau; Congress’s budget office estimated a related House renaming bill would cost federal agencies less than $500,000 to implement. [6]Congress.gov — House Report 119-85 (CBO estimate for H.R. 276, Gulf of America…
• Consistency across government: Because multiple agencies have already begun using “Gulf of America,” leaving some rules changed and others not could create short‑term confusion for businesses and the public unless Congress acts broadly. [5]NOAA Fisheries — NOAA announces Final Rule to Implement Gulf of America Name Ch…
• Symbolism and politics: Supporters and opponents frame the fight as either patriotic branding or a distraction from substantive issues—part of a larger debate over federal naming authority. [3]The White House — Executive Order: Restoring Names That Honor American Greatnes…

Who’s For It

• Sponsor: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D‑RI). He has introduced several CRA resolutions to unwind agency rules implementing the “Gulf of America” naming policy. [7]Congress.gov — Text of S.J.Res.87 (disapproving BOEM “Gulf of America” rule)
• Many congressional Democrats: They opposed codifying the “Gulf of America” name in the House and have criticized the renaming push as a distraction. [8]Congress.gov — H.R. 276 — Gulf of America Act (status and actions)[9]The Guardian — US House approves legislation renaming Gulf of Mexico
• Press‑freedom advocates and some media outlets: The Associated Press publicly resisted pressure to use “Gulf of America,” citing editorial independence. [10]Associated Press — Trump curtails AP access over “Gulf of America” usage

Who’s Against It

• Trump Administration and Interior Department: EO 14172 directed agencies to use “Gulf of America,” and Interior announced efforts to implement it. [3]The White House — Executive Order: Restoring Names That Honor American Greatnes…[11]U.S. Department of the Interior — Interior press release on implementing name r…
• Republican backers of the renaming: The House passed a bill to make “Gulf of America” permanent; GOP supporters cast the change as patriotic and clarifying. [8]Congress.gov — H.R. 276 — Gulf of America Act (status and actions)[12]U.S. House of Representatives — Rep. Pat Harrigan press release supporting H.R.…
• Agencies aligning their regulations: NOAA adopted conforming edits, reflecting the administration’s policy direction. [5]NOAA Fisheries — NOAA announces Final Rule to Implement Gulf of America Name Ch…

What’s Next

Status: Introduced October 28, 2025, and referred to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. [13]LegiScan — LegiScan tracker: S.J.Res. 93 (119th Congress)[14]FastDemocracy — FastDemocracy tracker: S.J.Res. 93 (119th Congress)

Process: CRA measures have “fast‑track” consideration in the Senate after a waiting period—no filibuster and simple‑majority votes—once the rule has been submitted to Congress. To take effect, a disapproval resolution must pass both chambers and be signed by the President or pass over a veto with two‑thirds majorities. Given the rule implements an administration policy, a veto is possible. [15]Web search · turn 6 #2[16]Web search · turn 6 #3