A bill to desginate the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in San Jose, California, as the "Corporal Patrick D. Tillman VA Clinic".
- Bill Number
- S. 3559
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-12-18: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-01-21T08:03:46Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This bill aims to honor Corporal Patrick D. Tillman, a former NFL player who became an Army Ranger and was killed in action, by renaming a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) community-based outpatient clinic in San Jose, California, after him. The purpose is to recognize his service, sacrifice, and heroism through this symbolic designation.
Key Provisions
- Findings (Section 1): The bill outlines Congress's recognition of Tillman's life and contributions, including:
- His birth in San Jose in 1976 and high school football achievements.
- College football success at Arizona State University, including academic honors.
- NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals starting in 1998.
- Decision in 2002 to leave professional football after the 9/11 attacks to enlist in the Army with his brother.
- Service in the 75th Ranger Regiment, deployments to Iraq (2003) and Afghanistan (2004).
- Death on April 22, 2004, from friendly fire (fratricide) while protecting fellow soldiers.
- Posthumous awards: Silver Star, Purple Heart, and promotion to corporal.
- Designation (Section 2(a)): The San Jose VA outpatient clinic will be officially known as the "Corporal Patrick D. Tillman Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic" or "Corporal Patrick D. Tillman VA Clinic" after the bill's enactment.
- References (Section 2(b)): All future references in U.S. laws, regulations, maps, documents, or records to this clinic must use the new name.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces no substantive changes to VA operations or policies. It solely amends the naming of an existing facility, requiring updates to official references. Such naming legislation is common and does not alter funding, services, or legal frameworks but formalizes the rename through congressional authority.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Veterans Affairs will need to update signage, documents, and records, involving minor administrative costs (e.g., new signs and website changes). No broader operational changes are required.
- On Citizens: Veterans and residents in San Jose may feel a sense of local pride and improved morale when accessing services at the renamed clinic. It could raise awareness of Tillman's story and military sacrifices, potentially encouraging veteran support in the community.
- On International Relations: No direct impacts; the bill is domestic and focused on honoring a U.S. service member.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Veterans Affairs: Responsible for implementing the name change across its facilities and records.
- Veterans and Families: Particularly those using the San Jose clinic, who benefit from the tribute to a fellow veteran's heroism.
- Tillman's Family and Supporters: Including his brother Kevin and advocates for his legacy, who may view this as a meaningful recognition.
- Local Community in San Jose: Residents, especially former students of Leland High School and Arizona State alumni, connected to Tillman's early life.
- Congressional Sponsors: Senators Adam Schiff and Alex Padilla (D-CA), who introduced the bill on December 18, 2025, and the Senate Committee on Veterans' Affairs, to which it was referred.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill relies on Congress's authority under Article I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution to make rules for federal facilities. It has no enforcement mechanism beyond the reference update, making it low-risk legally. "Fratricide" here means accidental death by friendly fire, a term clarified in military investigations.
- Constitutional: No challenges anticipated; naming public facilities is a routine congressional power without infringing on rights.
- Political: As a bipartisan tribute to a national hero, it promotes unity on veterans' issues. It could highlight themes of sacrifice post-9/11 but avoids controversy, focusing on positive commemoration rather than Tillman's death circumstances. If passed, it sets a precedent for similar honors, potentially influencing future VA naming bills.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-12-18: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.
- 2025-12-18: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- To designate the community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in San Jose, California, as the Corporal Patrick D. Tillman VA Clinic. — issued 2025-12-18 — PDF (4 pages)