Michigan House Bill HR0093

Michigan 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/7/25
• Passed: 5/7/25

Caption

A resolution to urge all public bodies in the state of Michigan to adopt the term “Gulf of America” in place of “Gulf of Mexico” in all official communications, publications, and references, and to call for immediate steps to implement this change by July 4, 2025.

Impact

The adoption of the term 'Gulf of America' is positioned as a step towards affirming Michigan's identity and values. By aligning state usage with the changes directed by the President of the United States in Executive Order 14,172, the resolution aims to promote clarity and coordination between state and federal agencies. This initiative also seeks to reflect a national commitment to restoring place names that embody American heritage. As such, this change has implications for how state agencies communicate and represent their relationships with significant geographies.

Summary

House Resolution 0093 urges all public bodies in the state of Michigan to adopt the term 'Gulf of America' in place of the historically used 'Gulf of Mexico' in all official communications, publications, and references. The resolution calls for this change to be implemented by July 4, 2025. This decision aims to reflect the cultural and geographical ties of the state to the region while aligning state terminology with federal directives. The resolution was introduced by Reps. Maddock and Hall, emphasizing the importance of consistent language in government communication.

Contention

While the resolution primarily promotes a change in terminology, it embodies broader thematic debates regarding identity and representation in governmental language. Opponents may argue that such changes, while symbolic, do not address more pressing issues that residents face. Moreover, some may view this initiative as an unnecessary alteration of historical nomenclature. Nonetheless, supporters assert that such steps are critical in enhancing the reflection of American values in public discourse and ensuring that official documents align with evolving interpretations of identity.