Vicente Gonzalez Pushes Bill to Protect Boca Chica Beach Name

Rep. Vicente Gonzalez

Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (D) testified before a House Natural Resources subcommittee in support of legislation that would permanently protect the name Boca Chica Beach and require federal officials to notify members of Congress about proposed geographic name changes in their districts.

Bill Seeks Federal Protection for Boca Chica Beach

Rep. Gonzalez testified before the House Committee on Natural Resources' Subcommittee on Federal Lands in support of the Hands Off Our Boca Chica Beach Act of 2026.

The bill would establish Boca Chica Beach's name in federal law, preventing the U.S. Board of Geographic Names from considering future proposals to rename the historic South Texas site during the current Congress. It would also require the Domestic Names Committee to notify the appropriate member of Congress when a proposed name change affects their district.

Proposed "Cyber Beach" Name Rejected

The legislation follows a July proposal to rename Boca Chica Beach "Cyber Beach." According to Gonzalez, Cameron County residents received less than 24 hours' notice before the Domestic Names Committee was scheduled to vote on the proposal.

The proposal was ultimately rejected on July 9 following opposition from local officials, residents, the Texas Geographic Names Committee, the City of Starbase and SpaceX.

Gonzalez said nearly 2,780 emails were submitted opposing the proposed name change, compared with one supporting it.

Rep. Vicente Gonzalez: "Boca Chica Beach should remain Boca Chica Beach - a name that dates back to at least 1936."

Local Support for the Legislation

During the hearing, Gonzalez submitted written statements supporting the bill from Texas State Representative Erin Gamez (D), Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino, and SpaceX.

Gonzalez said the legislation would provide communities and their congressional representatives more time to respond to federal decisions affecting local landmarks.

Rep. Vicente Gonzalez: "Give people proper notice. Give them time. Give them a voice."

Raeylee Barefield

Raeylee Barefield is a Legislative Correspondent based in Austin, Texas, specializing in state government and public policy. With one year of reporting under her belt, she covers legislative developments, committee hearings, and policy debates. She has been cited by Texas Politics and Big Energy for her coverage and analysis of legislative and regulatory issues. Her reporting typically focuses on Public policy, Stare government, environmental policy, and energy regulation. To contact her, please reach out at Raeylee@dnm.news