A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement relating to "Restoration of Names That Honor American Greatness; Gulf of America".
- Bill Number
- S.J.Res. 93
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Public Lands and Natural Resources
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-28: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-24T12:48:03Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (S.J. Res. 93) aims to block a specific federal rule issued by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), an agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior. The rule involves renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the "Gulf of America" as part of an initiative called "Restoration of Names That Honor American Greatness." By disapproving the rule, Congress prevents it from being implemented, using a process known as the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which allows lawmakers to overturn certain agency regulations.
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of the Rule: The resolution explicitly rejects the BSEE rule published in the Federal Register (90 Fed. Reg. 44322) on September 15, 2025.
- Nullification: Once passed, the rule would have no legal force or effect, meaning the proposed name change cannot proceed under this regulation.
- Legislative Process: Introduced in the Senate on October 28, 2025, by Senator Whitehouse, it was referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources for review.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This resolution does not amend broader laws but invokes the CRA (chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code) to override an executive agency action. The CRA itself remains unchanged, but this use demonstrates Congress's power to veto rules submitted within 60 legislative days of their publication.
- It effectively halts any administrative effort to alter geographic naming conventions tied to offshore energy and environmental safety regulations overseen by BSEE.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: BSEE would be prohibited from enforcing the name change in official documents, maps, or regulations related to oil, gas, and environmental enforcement in the Gulf region. This could require agencies to revert to using "Gulf of Mexico" in future publications and operations.
- On Citizens: Minimal direct impact on individuals, but it preserves the longstanding name "Gulf of Mexico" in everyday and educational contexts, avoiding confusion in areas like fishing, shipping, or tourism along the U.S. Gulf Coast.
- On International Relations: The name change could have strained ties with Mexico and other bordering countries (e.g., Cuba), as the Gulf is an international waterway. Blocking it maintains diplomatic stability and avoids potential disputes over shared maritime boundaries or trade.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal Agencies: Primarily BSEE and the Department of the Interior, which proposed the rule; also the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for mapping and naming standards.
- Congress: Senators and Representatives, particularly those on energy and natural resources committees, who exercise oversight.
- Coastal States and Industries: Residents and businesses in Gulf states (e.g., Texas, Louisiana, Florida) involved in energy production, fisheries, and environmental protection.
- International Partners: Mexico and other nations sharing the Gulf, whose governments might view the renaming as provocative.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Reinforces the CRA as a tool for congressional checks on executive rulemaking, potentially setting a precedent for disapproving symbolic or administrative changes. If enacted, it would require presidential signature or a veto override, highlighting inter-branch tensions.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Article I of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress authority over legislation and oversight of executive actions, ensuring agencies do not overstep without legislative approval.
- Political: The resolution reflects debates over national identity and symbolism (e.g., "American Greatness"), possibly tied to broader cultural or partisan divides. It could influence future naming policies for geographic features, emphasizing collaborative rather than unilateral changes.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Whitehouse, Sheldon [D-RI]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-28: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.
- 2025-10-28: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement relating to Restoration of Names That Honor American Greatness; Gulf of America. — issued 2025-10-28 — PDF (2 pages)