In a strong condemnation of a newly-introduced GOP bill, Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) criticized the proposal to rename Washington Dulles International Airport after former President Donald Trump. Connolly, who represents a portion of Dulles, pointed out that Trump is facing 91 felony charges and suggested that Republicans find a federal prison to name after him instead.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.) last Friday, aims to change the name of Dulles to "Donald J. Trump International Airport," in recognition of the former president's leadership. Reschenthaler claimed that the United States had never been greater than under Trump's administration, and he emphasized that this renaming would symbolize freedom, prosperity, and strength for millions of travelers.

Dulles Airport, located in Virginia, approximately 25 miles west of central Washington, D.C., was named after former Secretary of State John Foster Dulles. It is one of three major airports in the D.C. area, alongside Reagan Washington National Airport in Virginia and the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport in Maryland.

The bill has gained support from several Republican co-sponsors, including Reps. Mike Waltz (Fla.), Andy Ogles (Tenn.), Chuck Fleischmann (Tenn.), Paul Gosar (Ariz.), Troy Nehls (Texas), and Barry Moore (Ala.). However, it has faced strong opposition from Democratic representatives, including Connolly and Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D), whose district also encompasses Dulles. Wexton criticized the bill, calling it another example of "unserious and delusional" actions by extreme House Republicans and urged her colleagues to focus on pressing issues rather than renaming an airport after a figure who sought to undermine democracy.

Rep. Gosar, one of the bill's co-sponsors, responded to the criticism, stating that naming both airports in the nation's capital after two respected former presidents, including Trump, would be a fitting recognition. Gosar brushed off the outrage expressed by some on the left, arguing that they had previously celebrated the renaming of an airport in Little Rock after former President Clinton.

As the debate surrounding the renaming of Dulles Airport continues, the Hill has reached out to the Trump campaign and the offices of Reps. Reschenthaler, Waltz, Ogles, and Fleischmann for further comments. Rep. Nehls's office declined to comment at this time.

The proposed bill brings to the forefront the division between Republicans and Democrats in Congress, emphasizing the ongoing political tensions over the legacy of former President Trump and his impact on American democracy.