PolicyBrief
H.R. 691
119th CongressJan 23rd 2025
To designate the Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia as the "Donald J. Trump International Airport".
IN COMMITTEE

This bill would rename Washington Dulles International Airport in Virginia as the "Donald J. Trump International Airport." It would also change references to the airport in any U.S. law, regulation, map, document, or record to reflect the new name.

Addison McDowell
R

Addison McDowell

Representative

NC-6

LEGISLATION

Dulles Airport to be Renamed 'Donald J. Trump International Airport' Under New Bill

This bill is straightforward: it seeks to rename Washington Dulles International Airport to "Donald J. Trump International Airport." The legislation, if passed, would require that all references to the airport in laws, regulations, maps, and other official documents be updated to reflect the new name, effective immediately upon enactment.

What's in a Name?

The core of this bill is all about changing the name. Section 1 of the bill mandates that any mention of Washington Dulles International Airport in any U.S. law, regulation, map, document, or record will be legally considered a reference to "Donald J. Trump International Airport."

Real-World Ripple Effects

While the bill is simple in its purpose, the impact could be more complex. Think about it: every map, every legal document, every regulation that currently says "Washington Dulles International Airport" would need to be updated. That's a lot of paperwork and administrative work, and it would all happen as soon as the bill is enacted. For folks working in logistics, aviation, or even just updating travel websites, this means a potentially significant—and immediate—administrative task. There's no transition period mentioned, so businesses and government agencies would need to get on this right away.

The Bigger Picture

This bill doesn't address airport operations, funding, or any other practical issues. It's purely about the name. Considering that airports are critical infrastructure, it’s worth noting that this bill focuses entirely on rebranding rather than, say, addressing operational upgrades or funding needs. Whether you're a pilot, a baggage handler, or a frequent flyer, this change won't directly affect how the airport runs—but it will change how everyone refers to it, legally and otherwise.