Captain Paul W. Bud Bucha VA Medical Center Act of 2025
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4647
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-19: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-08T19:43:27Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation aims to honor Captain Paul W. "Bud" Bucha, a Medal of Honor recipient, Vietnam War hero, and lifelong advocate for veterans, by renaming the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center in West Haven, Connecticut, in his name. The bill recognizes his extraordinary military service, leadership, and contributions to veterans' mental health and support services.
Key Provisions
- Short Title: The act is titled the "Captain Paul W. 'Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center Act of 2025."
- Findings Section: Provides a detailed background on Bucha's life, including:
- His birth in 1943, education at West Point (graduating in the top 5% of his class in 1965), and advanced degree from Stanford University.
- His service in the 101st Airborne Division during the Vietnam War, where he commanded Company D and demonstrated heroism during a 1968 battle, earning the Medal of Honor for actions that saved his unit from a larger enemy force.
- Post-military involvement in veterans' organizations (e.g., American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars), advocacy for mental health (using "post-traumatic stress" to reduce stigma), and receipt of care at the West Haven VA center before his death from Alzheimer's disease in 2024.
- His family's gratitude for the VA center's care and his final donation of his brain to Yale University's Center for Human Brain Discovery.
- Designation: The VA medical center in West Haven, Connecticut (or any future location), is officially named the "Captain Paul W. 'Bud' Bucha Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center" or "Captain Paul W. 'Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center."
- References: Any mention of the facility in U.S. laws, regulations, maps, documents, or records must now refer to it by the new name.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces no substantive changes to laws governing VA operations, funding, or services. It is purely a renaming measure, updating official nomenclature without altering the facility's functions, eligibility for care, or administrative structure. Such designations are common for federal facilities to commemorate notable individuals.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The VA will need to update signage, websites, documents, and records to reflect the new name, which may involve minor administrative costs (e.g., for physical plaques or digital revisions). No broader operational changes are required.
- On Citizens: Veterans and their families, particularly those using the West Haven facility, may experience a symbolic boost in morale and recognition of mental health services, given Bucha's advocacy. It could raise public awareness of VA care quality, as highlighted by his positive experiences there.
- On International Relations: No impacts, as this is a domestic naming honoring a U.S. military veteran.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Veterans and VA Users: Especially those in Connecticut and Vietnam-era veterans, who benefit from the tribute to a peer advocate.
- Bucha's Family and Legacy: Provides official recognition of his sacrifices and contributions.
- Department of Veterans Affairs: Responsible for implementing the name change across its operations.
- Veterans' Service Organizations: Groups like the American Legion and Vietnam Veterans of America, where Bucha was active, may use the designation to promote veteran support initiatives.
- Local Community: Residents of West Haven, Connecticut, and nearby areas served by the medical center.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill is straightforward and ceremonial, requiring no new appropriations or regulatory changes. It aligns with precedents for naming federal facilities (e.g., under 38 U.S.C. for VA properties), ensuring seamless integration without legal challenges.
- Constitutional: No implications, as it does not involve spending, rights, or federal powers beyond Congress's authority to name public buildings.
- Political: Highlights bipartisan support for honoring military heroes and addressing veterans' mental health stigma, potentially fostering goodwill toward VA services. Introduced by Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) and referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, it underscores regional pride in Connecticut and national appreciation for Vietnam veterans.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. DeLauro, Rosa L. [D-CT-3]
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-19: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2025-07-23: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-07-23: Introduced in House
- 2025-07-23: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Captain Paul W. Bud Bucha VA Medical Center Act of 2025 — issued 2025-07-23 — PDF (6 pages)