A Misguided Use of State Resources

SB 1410/HB 3634, SB 1717 & SJR 63 would mandate that all references to the “Gulf of Mexico” in Texas law and government documents be changed to the “Gulf of America.” While largely symbolic, this measure imposes a massive administrative burden on state agencies and invites unnecessary expenditures of taxpayer dollars for a change that offers no practical benefit to Texans.

An Example of Government Overreach and Nationalistic Theater

The Libertarian Party of Texas (LPTexas) opposes this bill as an example of the government engaging in superficial nationalism rather than addressing substantive issues. Texas should prioritize liberty, transparency, and efficient governance—not performative rebranding at taxpayer expense. These bills expand state bureaucracy under the guise of patriotism and create new layers of rulemaking, compliance plans, reporting requirements, and enforcement mechanisms for a name change.

Contrary to Limited Government Principles

LPTexas holds that the role of government should be limited to protecting individual rights—not rewriting geography for political theater (Platform Preamble; § II.1.b). These bills authorize executive overreach by allowing the governor to unilaterally rename other locations in the future via executive order. This contradicts the principle that government actions should be restrained, transparent, and guided by the consent of the governed.

Wasting Public Funds and Agency Time

By requiring state agencies to audit, revise, and republish countless documents, policies, and records—along with preparing implementation plans, conducting public comment periods, and coordinating with federal authorities—these bills impose direct costs and inefficiencies with zero gain in public service. These resources would be better spent on programs that directly benefit Texas residents or reduce tax burdens.

Conclusion

The Libertarian Party of Texas opposes SB 1410, SB 1717, & SJR 63 as unnecessary, wasteful, and politically motivated uses of state power. We call on lawmakers to reject these bills and refocus on legislation that advances individual liberty, reduces government size, and protects the rights of Texans without symbolic distractions.