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HR 5589119th CongressIn Committee

To name the Department of Veterans Affairs clinic located in Riverhead, New York, as the "Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn VA Clinic", and for other purposes.

Introduced: Sep 26, 2025
Sponsor: Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1] (R-New York)
Veterans Affairs
Standard Summary
Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

This bill would officially rename the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) clinic located in Riverhead, New York, as the “Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn VA Clinic.” The text provides a detailed finding about Garfield Langhorn, a Vietnam War hero who sacrificed himself to save his fellow soldiers, and then directs that, once enacted, the Riverhead VA clinic be designated with his name. The designation would apply to all references to the clinic in federal law, regulations, maps, documents, and records. Overall, this is a ceremonial naming bill. It does not authorize new programs or funding, but it would require federal references to the clinic to reflect the new name after enactment. There is a minor drafting quirk in the document (a heading referencing Bay Shore, NY, while the body names Riverhead, NY), which may need correction.

Key Points

  • 1Section 1 (Findings) acknowledges Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn’s life: Hailing from Riverhead, NY, Langhorn served as a radio operator in Vietnam and sacrificed himself by covering a grenade to save his comrades.
  • 2Section 2 Naming: The VA clinic in Riverhead, NY, shall be named and designated the “Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn VA Clinic,” effective after enactment.
  • 3Reference change: Any reference to the clinic in federal law, regulations, maps, documents, or records should be interpreted to mean the “Private First Class Garfield M. Langhorn VA Clinic.”
  • 4Scope: The designation applies specifically to the VA clinic in Riverhead, NY; the document includes a heading that says “Bay Shore, New York,” which appears to be a drafting inconsistency that may require correction.
  • 5Policy impact: The bill does not create new programs or funding; its effect is ceremonial recognition and a formal renaming in official references.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: Veterans and patients served by the VA clinic in Riverhead, NY, and the local Riverhead community, who may see signage and branding updated to reflect the new name.Secondary group/area affected: Federal and VA administrative processes that reference the clinic in statutes, regulations, maps, or records will need to reflect the new name after enactment.Additional impacts: Minor administrative costs for updating signage, stationery, signage on websites, and internal references; no changes to services, staffing, or budget are authorized by this bill. Potentially beneficial local recognition of a distinguished community member.
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