The House debated a bill to name the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in West Haven, Connecticut, after Captain Paul W. “Bud” Bucha, a Medal of Honor recipient from the Vietnam War. Members speaking in support, including the bill’s sponsor Rosa DeLauro, described Bucha’s military service and his later work helping veterans, including with mental health care, and noted he received care at the facility. Mike Bost moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, and Herbert Conaway noted the Senate has already passed the measure. The brief debate was entirely supportive.Written by AI from the debate. Updated .
“I want the House to pass this bill. It names the VA medical center in West Haven, Connecticut, after Captain Paul Bucha.”
“Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4647) to designate the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in West Haven, Connecticut, as the ``Captain Paul W. `Bud’ Bucha VA Medical Center’’. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4647) to designate the medical center of the Department of Veterans Affairs in West Haven, Connecticut, as the ``Captain Paul W. `Bud’ Bucha VA Medical Center’’. The Clerk read the title of the bill. The text of the bill is as follows:
“I support this bill to name the VA medical center in West Haven, Connecticut, after Captain Paul "Bud" Bucha. He earned the Medal of Honor in Vietnam and spent the rest of his life helping other veterans get mental health care.”
“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4647, the Captain Paul W. ``Bud’’ Bucha VA Medical Center Act of 2025, sponsored by Representative DeLauro. This bill would designate the West Haven VA Medical Center in Connecticut as the Captain Paul W. ``Bud’’ Bucha VA Medical Center. Captain Paul ``Bud’’ Bucha was an American hero whose life exemplified courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to his fellow veterans, both on the battlefield and at home. After graduating from West Point, Captain Bucha was sent to Vietnam where he commanded his company during an intense recon mission. In March 1968, Captain Bucha displayed extraordinary courage while leading his company against a larger enemy force. Under intense fire, he destroyed an enemy bunker, directed the withdrawal of his men, coordinated artillery and air support, evacuated wounded soldiers, and led the recovery of casualties. For this, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. His actions saved countless lives and are a tribute to the highest ideals of military service. Captain Bucha’s service did not end when he came home. For decades, he dedicated himself to serving veterans, focusing on those struggling with the invisible wounds of war. After experiencing post-traumatic stress himself, he became one of the Nation’s strongest advocates for getting veterans out of the rut and back to living. He challenged the stigma surrounding mental health care and encouraged countless fellow veterans to seek help. The West Haven VA Medical Center became an important part of that journey. It was there that Captain Bucha received treatment, continued his advocacy, and ultimately spent his final days. Naming this facility in his honor would ensure that future generations of veterans remember Captain Bucha and his service, not only for his actions in combat, but for what he continued to do for his fellow veterans long after his time in uniform was over. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4647 honors a Medal of Honor recipient, a tireless advocate, and a man whose life was defined by service to others. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4647, and I reserve the balance of my time.”
Official Congressional Record
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4647, the Captain Paul W. ``Bud’’ Bucha VA Medical Center Act of 2025, sponsored by Representative DeLauro. This bill would designate the West Haven VA Medical Center in Connecticut as the Captain Paul W. ``Bud’’ Bucha VA Medical Center. Captain Paul ``Bud’’ Bucha was an American hero whose life exemplified courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to his fellow veterans, both on the battlefield and at home. After graduating from West Point, Captain Bucha was sent to Vietnam where he commanded his company during an intense recon mission. In March 1968, Captain Bucha displayed extraordinary courage while leading his company against a larger enemy force. Under intense fire, he destroyed an enemy bunker, directed the withdrawal of his men, coordinated artillery and air support, evacuated wounded soldiers, and led the recovery of casualties. For this, he was awarded the Medal of Honor. His actions saved countless lives and are a tribute to the highest ideals of military service. Captain Bucha’s service did not end when he came home. For decades, he dedicated himself to serving veterans, focusing on those struggling with the invisible wounds of war. After experiencing post-traumatic stress himself, he became one of the Nation’s strongest advocates for getting veterans out of the rut and back to living. He challenged the stigma surrounding mental health care and encouraged countless fellow veterans to seek help. The West Haven VA Medical Center became an important part of that journey. It was there that Captain Bucha received treatment, continued his advocacy, and ultimately spent his final days. Naming this facility in his honor would ensure that future generations of veterans remember Captain Bucha and his service, not only for his actions in combat, but for what he continued to do for his fellow veterans long after his time in uniform was over. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4647 honors a Medal of Honor recipient, a tireless advocate, and a man whose life was defined by service to others. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4647, and I reserve the balance of my time.
