To name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Bloomington, Illinois, as the "Andrew Jackson Smith Medal of Honor Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic".
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4689
- 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
- 2025-12-20T09:06:53Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This legislation, H.R. 4689, aims to honor Andrew Jackson Smith, a Civil War hero and Medal of Honor recipient, by renaming a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) community-based outpatient clinic in Bloomington, Illinois, after him. The bill recognizes his bravery and service as an African American soldier.
Key Provisions
- Findings (Section 1): Congress outlines the historical significance of Andrew Jackson Smith, including:
- His service as a Color Sergeant in the 55th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment (originally from the 41st Illinois Infantry).
- His posthumous Medal of Honor award for saving his regiment's colors during the Battle of Honey Hill, South Carolina, on November 30, 1864, despite intense enemy fire that resulted in heavy casualties.
- A detailed citation of his actions, emphasizing his valor in preventing the loss of the regimental colors.
- Naming Designation (Section 2): The VA clinic at 207 Hamilton Road, Bloomington, Illinois, is officially renamed the "Andrew Jackson Smith Medal of Honor Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic" upon enactment.
- All future references to the clinic in U.S. laws, regulations, maps, documents, records, or other papers must use the new name.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill introduces no substantive changes to VA operations or benefits; it is purely symbolic and administrative.
- It updates the official nomenclature of the clinic, requiring alignment in all federal references, which may involve minor revisions to signage, websites, and paperwork.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The VA will need to implement the name change, potentially involving low-cost updates to physical and digital materials. This could enhance the agency's recognition of historical military contributions.
- On Citizens: Veterans and residents in Bloomington, Illinois, may benefit from increased awareness of Smith's legacy, fostering community pride and education about Civil War history. No direct changes to healthcare services or access.
- On International Relations: None; the bill is domestic and focused on U.S. military history.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Veterans Affairs: Responsible for executing the name change.
- Veterans and Clinic Users: Particularly those in central Illinois, who will interact with the renamed facility.
- Local Community in Bloomington, Illinois: Residents and local officials, including the bill's sponsors (a bipartisan group of Illinois representatives).
- Historical and Military Organizations: Groups honoring Medal of Honor recipients or African American Civil War veterans, such as descendants of Smith or preservation societies.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Straightforward naming authority under congressional power to regulate federal properties; no challenges anticipated as it aligns with precedents for honoring military heroes (e.g., other VA facilities named after veterans).
- Constitutional: No issues; it falls within Congress's spending and naming powers for federal buildings without infringing on rights.
- Political: Symbolically promotes recognition of underrepresented heroes like Smith (an African American soldier in a segregated era), potentially advancing discussions on military diversity and historical equity. The bill's bipartisan support from Illinois lawmakers underscores local and national unity on veteran honors.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (16)
Rep. Jackson, Jonathan L. [D-IL-1], Rep. Kelly, Robin L. [D-IL-2], Rep. Ramirez, Delia C. [D-IL-3], Rep. García, Jesús G. "Chuy" [D-IL-4], Rep. Quigley, Mike [D-IL-5], Rep. Casten, Sean [D-IL-6], Rep. Davis, Danny K. [D-IL-7], Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8], Rep. Schakowsky, Janice D. [D-IL-9], Rep. Schneider, Bradley Scott [D-IL-10], Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-11], Rep. Bost, Mike [R-IL-12], Rep. Budzinski, Nikki [D-IL-13], Rep. Underwood, Lauren [D-IL-14], Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15], Rep. Sorensen, Eric [D-IL-17]
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
- To name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Bloomington, Illinois, as the "Andrew Jackson Smith Medal of Honor Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic". — issued 2025-07-23 — PDF (3 pages)