Reconciliation in Place Names Act
Sponsored By: Senator Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]
Introduced
Summary
A nationwide process to systematically review and replace racist or derogatory geographic names. This bill would set up an advisory review path that identifies offensive place names and proposes culturally respectful replacements with public input and Tribal consultation.
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- Indigenous peoples and Tribal organizations would get formal representation and a clear channel to propose renames and be consulted. The Advisory Committee would include 17 members to ensure specified representation.
- Local communities near affected features would gain opportunities to submit proposals and participate in public review. That gives residents a direct role in suggesting and commenting on new names.
- Federal land managers and the naming Board would follow a defined decision pathway and timelines. The Board must act within three years on proposals sent by the Committee and may only reject them for a compelling legal reason.
- A dedicated Advisory Committee would be established within 180 days, operate under the Federal Advisory Committee Act, and work toward completing its duties within a five-year horizon.
- Researchers, historians, and naming authorities would get statutory definitions for “offensive place name,” including slurs, stereotypes, and ties to injustices, which guide which names qualify for review.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Faster Board review and rename standard
This bill would require the Board to accept or reject each committee rename proposal within three years of receiving it. The Board should approve a committee proposal unless there is a compelling public reason to reject it or approval would violate federal law. If the Board accepts a proposal, it would rename the geographic feature. A Board rule that delays consideration because of pending legislation would not block committee proposals.
New advisory committee on place names
This bill would require the Secretary to set up a 17-member Advisory Committee on Reconciliation in Place Names within 180 days. The committee would include tribal members, a tribal organization rep, a Native Hawaiian rep, civil rights experts, scholars, and public members. Members would serve without pay but could get federal travel and per diem while doing committee work. The committee would solicit rename proposals from tribes, state and local governments, agencies, and the public, allow public comment, and send geographic feature proposals to the Board and Federal land unit proposals to Congress. The committee should complete main duties within five years and would end one year after the Board acts on its proposals.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA]
MA • D
Cosponsors
Sen. Booker, Cory A. [D-NJ]
NJ • D
Sponsored 9/18/2025
Sen. Duckworth, Tammy [D-IL]
IL • D
Sponsored 9/18/2025
Sen. Padilla, Alex [D-CA]
CA • D
Sponsored 9/18/2025
Sen. Markey, Edward J. [D-MA]
MA • D
Sponsored 9/18/2025
Sen. Smith, Tina [D-MN]
MN • D
Sponsored 9/18/2025
Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]
OR • D
Sponsored 9/18/2025
John Hickenlooper
CO • D
Sponsored 9/18/2025
Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]
OR • D
Sponsored 9/18/2025
Sen. Schiff, Adam B. [D-CA]
CA • D
Sponsored 9/18/2025
Sen. Hirono, Mazie K. [D-HI]
HI • D
Sponsored 9/30/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov