Senate Joint Resolution 160, sponsored by Watson, expresses support for the renaming of the Gulf of America and Mount McKinley, as established by an executive order from President Donald J. Trump on January 20, 2025. The resolution highlights President Trump's rationale for these names, which include honoring President William McKinley's contributions during the Spanish-American War and recognizing the Gulf's significance to the U.S. economy and its role in shaping the nation's future. Additionally, the resolution notes that February 9, 2025, has been designated as the first Gulf of America Day to promote American pride in the nation's history.
The resolution calls on the Tennessee General Assembly to encourage educators, particularly geography teachers, to incorporate the names Gulf of America and Mount McKinley into their curriculum when teaching about these natural landmarks. This initiative aims to foster a sense of national pride and awareness of the historical significance associated with these names among students in Tennessee.