Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Captain Paul W. 'Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center Act of 2025

Summary

The Captain Paul W. 'Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center Act of 2025 designates the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in West Haven, Connecticut, as the 'Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center'. This act honors the legacy of Paul W. 'Bud' Bucha, a Medal of Honor recipient and advocate for veterans' mental health. The designation serves as a tribute to his service and his contributions to the veteran community.

Expected Effects

The primary effect of this act is the renaming of the VA medical center in West Haven, Connecticut. This change will be reflected in all official documents, maps, and references to the facility. The renaming aims to honor Captain Bucha's legacy and inspire continued dedication to veteran care.

Potential Benefits

  • Symbolic recognition of a veteran hero and his contributions.
  • Increased awareness of veterans' mental health issues.
  • Potential boost to the morale of staff and patients at the medical center.
  • Positive impact on the local community by associating the medical center with a distinguished individual.
  • Reinforcement of the importance of honoring military service.

Potential Disadvantages

  • Potential costs associated with updating signage and official documents.
  • Possible confusion during the transition period as people adjust to the new name.
  • The act itself does not directly address healthcare access or quality of care.
  • Limited direct impact on broader veteran issues beyond symbolic recognition.
  • Potential for debate if the individual's legacy is later re-evaluated.

Constitutional Alignment

This act aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it supports veterans' well-being by honoring a distinguished veteran and potentially improving morale at a VA facility. While the Constitution does not explicitly address naming federal buildings, this action falls within the implied powers of Congress to provide for the common defense and promote the general welfare. Specifically, it honors military service, which is indirectly related to national defense.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).