Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

To name the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center located in Northport, New York, as the Navy (SEAL) Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy VA Medical Center, and for other purposes.

Summary

H.R. 5643 proposes renaming the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Northport, New York, to the Navy (SEAL) Lieutenant Michael P. Murphy VA Medical Center. This act honors the memory and sacrifice of Lt. Murphy, a Medal of Honor recipient. The bill includes findings that detail Lt. Murphy's heroic actions and the impact of his legacy.

Expected Effects

The primary effect of this bill is a name change for the VA medical center in Northport, NY. This will serve as a lasting tribute to Lt. Michael P. Murphy. All references to the medical center in official documents will be updated to reflect the new name.

Potential Benefits

  • Honors a war hero and Medal of Honor recipient.
  • Provides a lasting tribute to Lt. Michael P. Murphy's service and sacrifice.
  • May inspire future generations to serve their country.
  • Could increase community pride and awareness of military service.
  • May enhance the reputation of the medical center.

Potential Disadvantages

  • The cost of renaming (signage, documents, etc.) could be a minor burden on taxpayers.
  • Some may argue that other veterans are equally deserving of such recognition.
  • The act itself does not directly address healthcare access or quality for veterans.
  • Potential for political disagreements over the selection of individuals to honor.
  • The impact is largely symbolic and may not have tangible benefits for veterans' healthcare.

Constitutional Alignment

The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to honor a veteran and potentially improve morale within the veteran community. Congress has the power to name federal buildings and facilities. This power is implied through Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the authority to provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. The bill does not infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.

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).