Overview

Title

An Act To name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Auburn, California, as the Louis A. Conter VA Clinic.

ELI5 AI

H.R. 9124 is a plan to name a special doctor's office in Auburn, California, after a brave sailor named Louis A. Conter, who was a hero during some big battles a long time ago. The doctor’s office will be called the "Louis A. Conter VA Clinic" to honor him.

Summary AI

H.R. 9124 is a bill that seeks to honor Lieutenant Commander Louis A. Conter, a decorated American veteran, by naming a community-based outpatient clinic of the Department of Veterans Affairs in Auburn, California, after him. Conter was a survivor of the USS Arizona attack during Pearl Harbor and served in both World War II and the Korean War. The bill acknowledges his numerous contributions to the military, including his involvement in the SERE training program and his work as a military intelligence advisor. After passing the House of Representatives on December 16, 2024, the clinic will be officially called the "Louis A. Conter VA Clinic" upon enactment of this legislation.

Published

2024-12-16
Congress: 118
Session: 2
Chamber: HOUSE
Status: Engrossed in House
Date: 2024-12-16
Package ID: BILLS-118hr9124eh

Bill Statistics

Size

Sections:
2
Words:
672
Pages:
6
Sentences:
26

Language

Nouns: 255
Verbs: 49
Adjectives: 22
Adverbs: 7
Numbers: 30
Entities: 85

Complexity

Average Token Length:
4.14
Average Sentence Length:
25.85
Token Entropy:
5.02
Readability (ARI):
14.45

AnalysisAI

Summary of the Bill

This bill proposes naming a Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Auburn, California, in honor of Louis A. Conter. The clinic will be officially known as the “Louis A. Conter VA Clinic.” The bill details Louis Conter’s significant contributions, notably as one of the last survivors of the USS Arizona attack during Pearl Harbor and highlights his distinguished service in the military.

Significant Issues Highlighted

The bill appears to focus largely on honoring Mr. Conter's legacy without indicating any direct financial appropriations for the renaming of the clinic. This omission of specific funding could imply that the renaming will take place without additional federal allocations, possibly leaving local funding sources responsible for any associated costs, such as for signage and documentation updates.

Furthermore, the bill does not elucidate why Mr. Conter's name is selected for this clinic, especially concerning his ties to the Auburn area or the specific service he may have provided to veterans through the local VA. This lack of clarity might lead to perceptions of preferential treatment unless Mr. Conter's affiliations with the region or the veteran community in Auburn are established.

Broad Public Impact

Generally, the public might perceive this bill positively as the renaming of public facilities often serves as a sign of respect and acknowledgment for notable individuals. Honoring someone as distinguished as Louis Conter, who had a significant role in American history, can inspire patriotism and pride within the community and beyond.

However, stakeholders might question the necessity or benefit of the renaming without clear reasoning presented in the bill. Public resources, including possible local funding for changes, could become a concern for residents and local governments, especially in the current economic climate where budget allocations are carefully scrutinized.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders

The primary beneficiaries of this bill include Louis Conter's surviving family members, who would likely feel honored by this public recognition. Fellow veterans and military historians may also view this gesture as a fitting tribute to a notable figure in military history, thereby positively impacting these communities by reinforcing the value and remembrance of military service.

On the other hand, taxpayers, particularly those residing in Auburn and the surrounding areas, could be impacted if local funds need to accommodate the transition's financial implications. Additionally, without a clear link between Conter and the community or clinic itself, residents might question the decision, especially if there are local figures they feel are more directly tied to their community.

In summary, while the bill's intent is to honor a heroic individual, clarification around funding, rationale, and local ties would enrich understanding and reception among the public and stakeholders.

Issues

  • Section 2: There is no indication of any spending associated with the renaming of the clinic, which could potentially involve costs related to updating signage, documents, and other materials. It should be clarified if there are any allocated funds for these changes, as this has financial implications.

  • Section 2: The rationale behind choosing the name 'Louis A. Conter VA Clinic' for the clinic should be provided to rule out any concerns of preferential treatment, especially if Louis A. Conter has no recognized contributions or ties to the region or the VA.

  • Section 2: While the language used in the section is clear and straightforward, it might not provide enough context for why this renaming is necessary or beneficial to the community or the Department of Veterans Affairs, which could raise questions about the rationale behind the decision.

Sections

Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.

1. Findings Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

Congress recognizes the life and service of Louis "Lou" Anthony Conter, a hero of Pearl Harbor and distinguished Navy officer. Conter's numerous honors and impactful roles in military training and intelligence, along with his dedication to sharing his experiences after retirement, earn him well-deserved recognition.

2. Name of Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic, Auburn, California Read Opens in new tab

Summary AI

The Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Auburn, California, will be renamed the "Louis A. Conter VA Clinic." After the enactment of this Act, any mention of the clinic in official documents will refer to it by this new name.