To name the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic located in Riverhead, New York, as the "Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn VA Clinic", and for other purposes.
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5589
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-15: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-30T08:06:01Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill (H.R. 5589) aims to honor Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn, a Vietnam War hero, by renaming a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic in Riverhead, New York, after him. It recognizes his selfless sacrifice in saving his comrades during combat.
Key Provisions
- Findings (Section 1): The bill outlines Langhorn's background, including his birth in 1948 in Virginia, upbringing in Riverhead, New York, high school graduation in 1967, drafting into the Army in 1968, and deployment to Vietnam as a radio operator. It details his heroic actions on January 15, 1969, near Plei Djereng, where he coordinated air support under fire and sacrificed himself by throwing his body on an enemy grenade to protect wounded fellow soldiers.
- Naming Designation (Section 2): The VA clinic in Riverhead, New York, will be officially known as the "Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn VA Clinic" after the bill's enactment. All future references to the clinic in U.S. laws, regulations, maps, documents, or records must use this new name.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This legislation introduces no substantive changes to VA operations, funding, or services. It is purely symbolic, updating only the official name of the clinic and requiring consistent references in federal documents. No alterations to existing laws governing VA facilities are made.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Veterans Affairs will need to update signage, records, and references to the clinic, which involves minor administrative costs but no operational disruptions.
- On Citizens: Veterans and residents in Riverhead and surrounding areas may feel a greater sense of community pride and inspiration from the recognition of local hero Langhorn. It could encourage public awareness of military sacrifices without affecting healthcare access.
- On International Relations: No impacts, as this is a domestic naming honor unrelated to foreign policy.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Veterans Affairs: Responsible for implementing the name change across its systems and facilities.
- Veterans and Local Community: Particularly those using the Riverhead clinic, including families of Vietnam-era veterans, who benefit from the tribute to Langhorn's service.
- Langhorn's Family and Hometown: Residents of Riverhead, New York, and Langhorn's relatives, who gain formal national recognition of his valor.
- Congressional Representatives: Sponsors (Reps. LaLota and Lawler) and the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, which will oversee the bill's progress.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill is straightforward and complies with congressional naming authority for federal facilities under Title 38 of the U.S. Code (which governs veterans' benefits). It requires no new appropriations, avoiding budget-related challenges.
- Constitutional: No issues, as naming public buildings is a standard legislative power and does not infringe on free speech, due process, or other rights.
- Political: This is a bipartisan, non-controversial measure that symbolizes national gratitude for military service, potentially fostering goodwill toward veterans' issues without partisan division. It highlights themes of heroism and community remembrance in U.S. policy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (11)
Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Malliotakis, Nicole [R-NY-11], Rep. Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21], Rep. Riley, Josh [D-NY-19], Rep. Latimer, George [D-NY-16], Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2], Rep. Morelle, Joseph D. [D-NY-25], Rep. Langworthy, Nicholas A. [R-NY-23], Rep. Meng, Grace [D-NY-6]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-15: Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
- 2025-09-26: Referred to the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-09-26: Introduced in House
- 2025-09-26: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To name the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic located in Riverhead, New York, as the "Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn VA Clinic", and for other purposes. — issued 2025-09-26 — PDF (3 pages)