Trump ally’s Gulf of America push causes heartburn among House GOP

House Republicans are facing internal strife over a scheduled vote on making President Donald Trump’s Gulf of America name change permanent. The vote, seen by some as a symbolic gesture, has sparked frustration among lawmakers who believe their time could be better spent on more pressing legislative matters.

Multiple House Republicans have expressed their discontent with the decision to prioritize the Gulf of America Act, introduced by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, over other legislative priorities. One lawmaker, speaking anonymously, criticized the move as “frivolous” and not reflective of the serious issues facing the country.

Conservative and moderate members alike have voiced concerns about the bill, questioning its significance in the grand scheme of things. Rep. Don Bacon, a moderate Republican, emphasized the need for pragmatic legislation over what he deemed as “posture bills.” On the other hand, a conservative lawmaker lamented the focus on the Gulf of America renaming out of the numerous executive orders issued by Trump.

While the discontent among House Republicans may not be widespread, any degree of division is notable given the party’s slim majority in the chamber. Speaker Mike Johnson, who can afford to lose only a few votes, is under pressure to maintain party unity on key legislative priorities.

Despite the frustrations expressed by some lawmakers, it remains to be seen whether they will ultimately vote against the bill. With the GOP leadership pushing for its passage, dissenting members may ultimately fall in line to avoid a public split within the party.

The Gulf of America Act is set to be voted on Thursday morning, with Speaker Johnson touting it as a priority alongside other budget-related executive orders from the Trump administration. Rep. Greene, a staunch Trump ally, defended the bill as a reflection of the former president’s “America First” agenda and a response to the desires of the American people.

As House Republicans navigate internal disagreements over the Gulf of America renaming, the broader focus remains on advancing Trump’s legislative agenda, particularly through the “big, beautiful bill” currently in negotiation. Despite the tensions within the party, GOP lawmakers are determined to deliver on key policy objectives and uphold their commitment to advancing conservative priorities in Congress.