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

USA119th CongressS-2682| Senate 
| Updated: 8/8/2025
Richard Blumenthal

Richard Blumenthal

Democratic Senator

Connecticut

Cosponsors (1)
Christopher Murphy (Democratic)
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill proposes to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in West Haven, Connecticut, as the " Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center ." The legislation aims to honor Captain Paul W. "Bud" Bucha, a distinguished Medal of Honor recipient and a tireless advocate for veterans. This designation recognizes his extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War and his significant contributions to the veteran community. Captain Bucha was a highly decorated Army officer who earned the Medal of Honor for his valor in Vietnam, where he led his company against overwhelming enemy forces. Following his military service, he became a prominent advocate for veterans, particularly focusing on mental health awareness and destigmatization , often using the term "post-traumatic stress" to acknowledge the impact of combat experiences. Notably, Captain Bucha himself sought and received care at the West Haven VA medical center for post-traumatic stress and neurological conditions in his later years, with his family expressing deep gratitude for the compassionate treatment he received there. The bill ensures that all official references to the medical center will reflect this new designation.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
2 versions available

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Timeline
Aug 2, 2025
Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5520-5521; text: CR S5521)
Aug 2, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Aug 2, 2025
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Aug 8, 2025
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Aug 8, 2025
Received in the House.
Aug 8, 2025
Held at the desk.
Dec 19, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-4647
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
  • August 2, 2025
    Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5520-5521; text: CR S5521)


  • August 2, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • August 2, 2025
    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent.


  • August 8, 2025
    Message on Senate action sent to the House.


  • August 8, 2025
    Received in the House.


  • August 8, 2025
    Held at the desk.


  • December 19, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-4647
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Bills

  • HR 119-4647: Captain Paul W. Bud Bucha VA Medical Center Act of 2025
Congressional tributesGovernment buildings, facilities, and propertyVeterans' medical careVeterans' organizations and recognition

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

USA119th CongressS-2682| Senate 
| Updated: 8/8/2025
This bill proposes to rename the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in West Haven, Connecticut, as the " Captain Paul W. `Bud' Bucha VA Medical Center ." The legislation aims to honor Captain Paul W. "Bud" Bucha, a distinguished Medal of Honor recipient and a tireless advocate for veterans. This designation recognizes his extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War and his significant contributions to the veteran community. Captain Bucha was a highly decorated Army officer who earned the Medal of Honor for his valor in Vietnam, where he led his company against overwhelming enemy forces. Following his military service, he became a prominent advocate for veterans, particularly focusing on mental health awareness and destigmatization , often using the term "post-traumatic stress" to acknowledge the impact of combat experiences. Notably, Captain Bucha himself sought and received care at the West Haven VA medical center for post-traumatic stress and neurological conditions in his later years, with his family expressing deep gratitude for the compassionate treatment he received there. The bill ensures that all official references to the medical center will reflect this new designation.

Bill Text Versions

View Text
2 versions available

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline
Aug 2, 2025
Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5520-5521; text: CR S5521)
Aug 2, 2025
Introduced in Senate
Aug 2, 2025
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
Aug 8, 2025
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Aug 8, 2025
Received in the House.
Aug 8, 2025
Held at the desk.
Dec 19, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

HR 119-4647
Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
  • August 2, 2025
    Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5520-5521; text: CR S5521)


  • August 2, 2025
    Introduced in Senate


  • August 2, 2025
    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Introduced in the Senate, read twice, considered, read the third time, and passed without amendment by Unanimous Consent.


  • August 8, 2025
    Message on Senate action sent to the House.


  • August 8, 2025
    Received in the House.


  • August 8, 2025
    Held at the desk.


  • December 19, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    HR 119-4647
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Health.
Richard Blumenthal

Richard Blumenthal

Democratic Senator

Connecticut

Cosponsors (1)
Christopher Murphy (Democratic)

Armed Forces and National Security

Related Bills

  • HR 119-4647: Captain Paul W. Bud Bucha VA Medical Center Act of 2025
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
Congressional tributesGovernment buildings, facilities, and propertyVeterans' medical careVeterans' organizations and recognition