Las Cruces Bataan Memorial Clinic Act

Bill Number

S. 1179

Origin Chamber

Senate

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-03-27: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.

Last Updated

2025-07-01T14:04:19Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation aims to rename a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) community-based outpatient clinic in Las Cruces, New Mexico, to honor the historical significance of the Bataan Memorial, which commemorates events related to World War II, particularly the Bataan Death March and the bravery of American and Filipino soldiers.

Key Provisions

• Short Title: The Act is titled the "Las Cruces Bataan Memorial Clinic Act."
• Naming the Clinic: Upon enactment, the VA outpatient clinic in Las Cruces, New Mexico, will be officially designated as the "Las Cruces Bataan Memorial Clinic."
• References: Any mentions of the clinic in U.S. laws, regulations, maps, documents, or records will be updated to reflect the new name.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill introduces no substantive changes to VA operations, funding, or services. It solely effects a ceremonial name change, requiring administrative updates to official references but not altering the clinic's functions or legal status.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The VA will need to update signage, documents, and records, which involves minimal administrative effort and cost. No changes to clinic services or operations are required.
• On Citizens: Veterans and residents of Las Cruces, New Mexico, may experience a symbolic boost in community pride and recognition of military history. It has no direct impact on healthcare access or benefits.
• On International Relations: None; the bill is purely domestic and commemorative.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Responsible for implementing the name change.
• Veterans and Military Families: Particularly those connected to Bataan history, who benefit from the tribute.
• Residents of Las Cruces, New Mexico: Local community gains recognition of regional historical ties.
• Congressional Representatives: Senator Martin Heinrich (D-NM), who introduced the bill, and the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, which will review it.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Straightforward naming authority under congressional powers to designate federal facilities; no challenges anticipated as it aligns with precedents for honoring military history (e.g., similar VA facility namings).
• Constitutional: No implications; does not affect separation of powers, individual rights, or federal spending.
• Political: Serves as a bipartisan gesture to honor veterans, potentially fostering goodwill in New Mexico without controversy. It reflects ongoing congressional efforts to commemorate WWII sacrifices, but lacks broader policy significance.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Sen. Heinrich, Martin [D-NM]

Recent Actions

• 2025-03-27: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
• 2025-03-27: Introduced in Senate

Bill Versions

• Las Cruces Bataan Memorial Clinic Act — issued 2025-03-27 — PDF (2 pages)