Republicans Push Multiple Bills to Honor Donald Trump
Former President Donald Trump walks on to the stage to give the keynote address at Turning Point Action's "The People's Convention" on June 15, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. House Republicans have introduced a number of legislations in recent weeks to honour Trump.
House Republicans have introduced several pieces of legislation in recent weeks that aim to honor Donald Trump.
The latest bill, from Rep. Greg Steube of Florida, called for the areas of water surrounding the U.S, called the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), to be renamed as the "Donald John Trump Exclusive Economic Zone of the United States."
If passed, the name change would mandate the waters be referred to by the former president in laws, maps, documents and other records. Steube introduced the legislation on Friday June 14 to coincide with Trump's 78th birthday.
In the latest signal of the continuing influence and support Trump has within the GOP, several members of Congress have recently taken steps to honor the former president with bills or resolutions. These include attempts to rename an airport or to feature a portrait of the former president on a $500 bill.
Trump's office has been contacted for comment via email.
Each bill is largely symbolic. Even if they were to pass through the House, where the GOP has a razor-thin majority, they will almost certainly be rejected by the Democrat-controlled Senate.
Speaking to Fox News about why he introduced plans to rename EEZ, Steube said: "During his time in office, President Trump took several commendable actions for our oceans as part of his work to make America strong, secure, and economically prosperous.
"I'm honored to introduce legislation that will rename our coastal waters after President Trump and serve as a reminder of his many contributions to our nation for generations to come."
Adam Kinzinger, a former GOP congressman and frequent Trump critic, was one of those who mocked Steube's attempt to rename the EEZ.
"In my 12 years in Congress, which was 3 times longer than Trump held office, I could never have fathomed being this much of a dorky try-hard," Kinzinger posted on X, formerly Twitter.
Earlier in June, fellow MAGA congressman, Rep. Paul Gosar of Arizona, introduced a proposal to bring back the $500 bill to now feature an image of Trump.
Gosar said that the bill outlined in his Treasury Reserve Unveiling Memorable Portrait (TRUMP) Act, would be a collectors' item and help improve the economy.
"As Bidenflation continues to devalue our currency, the issuance of $500 bills featuring President Trump by the Treasury offers several practical advantages," Gosar said in a statement.
"First, larger-value currency will empower Americans with the freedom of more tangible options to save and exchange goods and services. Additionally, the absence of large-denomination currency issued by the Treasury encourages Americans to rely on digital banking, which faces greater vulnerability to surveillance and censorship," Gosar added.
In April, a group of House Republicans introduced legislation to rename Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia to the Donald J. Trump International Airport.
"As millions of domestic and international travelers fly through the airport, there is no better symbol of freedom, prosperity and strength than hearing 'Welcome to Trump International Airport' as they land on American soil," Rep. Guy Reschenthaler of Pennsylvania, who introduced the bill, said in a statement.
The bill to rename Dulles Airport after Trump was referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure after introduction
In response, Democratic lawmakers Gerry Connolly of Virginia, Jared Moskowitz of Florida and John Garamendi of California introduced a bill to rename the Miami Federal Correctional Institution to the "Donald J. Trump Federal Correctional Institution."
The bill arrived as Trump was due to stand trial in his falsifying business records case in New York. Trump was later convicted of all 34 felony counts in the hush money trial, and still faces trial in three other federal and state investigations. He has denined any wrongdoing
A group of House Republicans, led by Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, proposed awarding Trump the Congressional Gold Medal in May.
The resolution cited a number of arguments for Trump being awarded the highest civilian award in the U.S. including how "no wars were started" while he was in office.
Previous winners of the Congressional Gold Medal include the late Nelson Mandela and the Apollo 11 astronauts who landed on the moon, and the 14th Dalai Lama.
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