A bill to rename the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Dallas, Texas, as the "Eddie Bernice Johnson VA Medical Center".
Summary
SB 116 is a naming bill that redesignates the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center at 4500 South Lancaster Road in Dallas, Texas, as the “Eddie Bernice Johnson Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center,” also referred to as the “Eddie Bernice Johnson VA Medical Center.” The bill includes findings describing Eddie Bernice Johnson’s service as chief psychiatric nurse at the Dallas VA medical center, her long congressional career, and her work on behalf of veterans.
The bill also provides a conforming-reference clause stating that any mention of the Dallas VA medical center in federal law, regulation, maps, documents, papers, or other records will be treated as a reference to the renamed facility. It does not change eligibility for veterans’ benefits, VA operations, or funding; its legal effect is limited to the official designation of the facility and related references in federal materials.
Impact
SB 116 would amend federal law only to rename an existing VA medical center in Dallas and ensure all federal references are updated to reflect the new name. The bill affects Department of Veterans Affairs records, signage, maps, and any statutes or regulations that mention the facility, but it does not alter veterans’ services, benefits, or administrative authority.
Sentiment
The available context suggests broadly positive and commemorative sentiment. The bill is framed as an honorific measure recognizing Eddie Bernice Johnson’s service to veterans, her work as a nurse at the Dallas VA medical center, and her congressional advocacy on veterans’ issues. There are no recorded votes or committee objections in the provided materials, and the bill was simply read twice and referred to the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
Contention
No substantive contention is evident in the provided text or legislative history. Because the measure is a ceremonial renaming bill, any discussion would likely center on the appropriateness of honoring Eddie Bernice Johnson and the use of a federal facility name, rather than on policy changes. The bill’s supporters are the sponsors, Senators Cornyn and Cruz, and the findings emphasize Johnson’s service and legacy; no opposing viewpoints are included in the record provided.
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