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Reconciliation in Place Names Act

USA119th CongressHR-2843| House 
| Updated: 4/10/2025
Al Green

Al Green

Democratic Representative

Texas

Cosponsors (18)
Dwight Evans (Democratic)Nikema Williams (Democratic)Yassamin Ansari (Democratic)Jared Huffman (Democratic)Robin L. Kelly (Democratic)Melanie A. Stansbury (Democratic)Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)André Carson (Democratic)Sara Jacobs (Democratic)LaMonica McIver (Democratic)Sydney Kamlager-Dove (Democratic)Pramila Jayapal (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democratic)Mike Quigley (Democratic)Bennie G. Thompson (Democratic)Zoe Lofgren (Democratic)Rashida Tlaib (Democratic)

Natural Resources Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, known as the "Reconciliation in Place Names Act," aims to establish a comprehensive and public process for identifying and renaming offensive geographic features and Federal land units across the United States. Congress finds that many existing place names perpetuate prejudice, disparage racial minorities, or honor individuals associated with racially repugnant views and atrocities. This legislation seeks to rectify these issues, promoting place names that are equitable, just, and reflect the cultural diversity of the nation. The Act mandates the creation of an Advisory Committee on Reconciliation in Place Names within 180 days, comprising 17 members including representatives from Indian Tribes, civil rights experts, and academics. This Committee will be responsible for soliciting proposals from the public, Indian Tribes, and government entities, providing public comment opportunities, and recommending new names. It will submit proposals to the Board on Geographic Names (BGN) for geographic features and to Congress for Federal land units. The Board on Geographic Names is required to review the Committee's proposals within three years of receipt. The BGN must approve a proposed name change unless it determines there is a compelling reason and substantial public interest in rejecting it, or if approval would violate Federal law. This structured process is designed to ensure that place names are updated to advance dignity for all people in the United States.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-8455
Reconciliation in Place Names Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-4454
Reconciliation in Place Names Act
Apr 10, 2025
Introduced in House
Apr 10, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Sep 18, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-2894
Introduced in Senate
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-8455
    Reconciliation in Place Names Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-4454
    Reconciliation in Place Names Act


  • April 10, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • April 10, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.


  • September 18, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-2894
    Introduced in Senate

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Related Bills

  • S 119-2894: Reconciliation in Place Names Act

Reconciliation in Place Names Act

USA119th CongressHR-2843| House 
| Updated: 4/10/2025
This bill, known as the "Reconciliation in Place Names Act," aims to establish a comprehensive and public process for identifying and renaming offensive geographic features and Federal land units across the United States. Congress finds that many existing place names perpetuate prejudice, disparage racial minorities, or honor individuals associated with racially repugnant views and atrocities. This legislation seeks to rectify these issues, promoting place names that are equitable, just, and reflect the cultural diversity of the nation. The Act mandates the creation of an Advisory Committee on Reconciliation in Place Names within 180 days, comprising 17 members including representatives from Indian Tribes, civil rights experts, and academics. This Committee will be responsible for soliciting proposals from the public, Indian Tribes, and government entities, providing public comment opportunities, and recommending new names. It will submit proposals to the Board on Geographic Names (BGN) for geographic features and to Congress for Federal land units. The Board on Geographic Names is required to review the Committee's proposals within three years of receipt. The BGN must approve a proposed name change unless it determines there is a compelling reason and substantial public interest in rejecting it, or if approval would violate Federal law. This structured process is designed to ensure that place names are updated to advance dignity for all people in the United States.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 116-8455
Reconciliation in Place Names Act

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 117-4454
Reconciliation in Place Names Act
Apr 10, 2025
Introduced in House
Apr 10, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
Sep 18, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-2894
Introduced in Senate
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 116-8455
    Reconciliation in Place Names Act


  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 117-4454
    Reconciliation in Place Names Act


  • April 10, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • April 10, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.


  • September 18, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-2894
    Introduced in Senate
Al Green

Al Green

Democratic Representative

Texas

Cosponsors (18)
Dwight Evans (Democratic)Nikema Williams (Democratic)Yassamin Ansari (Democratic)Jared Huffman (Democratic)Robin L. Kelly (Democratic)Melanie A. Stansbury (Democratic)Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)André Carson (Democratic)Sara Jacobs (Democratic)LaMonica McIver (Democratic)Sydney Kamlager-Dove (Democratic)Pramila Jayapal (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Bonnie Watson Coleman (Democratic)Mike Quigley (Democratic)Bennie G. Thompson (Democratic)Zoe Lofgren (Democratic)Rashida Tlaib (Democratic)

Natural Resources Committee

Public Lands and Natural Resources

Related Bills

  • S 119-2894: Reconciliation in Place Names Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted