To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1225 Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach, Virginia, as the "Colonel Edward Shames Post Office Building".
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7365
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Government Operations and Politics
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T05:06:20Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill aims to honor Colonel Edward Shames, a notable military figure (likely a veteran from World War II, based on historical context), by naming a United States Postal Service (USPS) facility after him. It is a ceremonial measure to recognize his contributions through official designation.
Key Provisions
- Designation of Facility: The USPS building at 1225 Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is officially named the "Colonel Edward Shames Post Office Building."
- Updating References: Any mentions of this facility in U.S. laws, maps, regulations, documents, or records must now use the new name to ensure consistency.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- This bill introduces no substantive changes to postal operations, laws, or regulations. It solely updates the official name of one specific building, requiring future references to reflect the designation. Such naming bills are common in Congress and do not alter the facility's functions or legal status.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The USPS will need to update signage, stationery, and digital records for this single location, involving minor administrative costs (e.g., new plaques or website changes). No broader operational changes.
- On Citizens: Local residents in Virginia Beach may experience increased community pride or awareness of Colonel Shames' legacy, potentially boosting tourism or educational interest in military history. No direct effects on postal services or daily life.
- On International Relations: None; this is a domestic, symbolic action with no foreign policy implications.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- United States Postal Service (USPS): Responsible for implementing the name change on their property and materials.
- Local Community and Government in Virginia Beach, Virginia: Benefits from the honor to a figure possibly connected to the area, including residents, veterans' groups, and local officials.
- Family, Associates, or Supporters of Colonel Edward Shames: Gains official recognition of his service, preserving his legacy for future generations.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Straightforward and non-controversial; naming post offices is a routine congressional practice under the USPS's authority (established by the Postal Reorganization Act of 1970), requiring no judicial review.
- Constitutional: No issues; it aligns with Congress's power to regulate federal properties and does not infringe on free speech, due process, or other rights.
- Political: Symbolic gesture often used to commemorate veterans, potentially fostering bipartisan support in the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability (where the bill was referred). It highlights themes of national gratitude for military service but carries no policy debates or funding requirements.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]
Cosponsors (10)
Rep. McGuire, John J. [R-VA-5], Rep. Griffith, H. Morgan [R-VA-9], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5], Rep. Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [D-VA-3], Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6], Rep. Wittman, Robert J. [R-VA-1], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Subramanyam, Suhas [D-VA-10], Rep. McClellan, Jennifer L. [D-VA-4], Rep. Walkinshaw, James R. [D-VA-11]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-04: Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
- 2026-02-04: Introduced in House
- 2026-02-04: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1225 Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach, Virginia, as the "Colonel Edward Shames Post Office Building". — issued 2026-02-04 — PDF (2 pages)