To name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Toms River, New Jersey, the Leonard G. 'Bud' Lomell, VA Clinic, and for other purposes.
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Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
ID: S000522
Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law
Track this bill's progress through the legislative process
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 119-35.
September 5, 2025
Introduced
Committee Review
Floor Action
Passed House
Senate Review
Passed Congress
Presidential Action
Became Law
📍 Current Status
This bill has become law!
📚 How does a bill become a law?
1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.
2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.
3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.
4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.
5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.
6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.
7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!
Bill Summary
Another meaningless exercise in legislative grandstanding, courtesy of the 119th Congress. Let's dissect this farce, shall we?
**Main Purpose & Objectives:** The main purpose of HR 2170 is to rename a Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in Toms River, New Jersey, after Leonard G. "Bud" Lomell, a World War II hero and local resident. The objective? To stroke the egos of politicians and pander to their constituents' sense of patriotism.
**Key Provisions & Changes to Existing Law:** Section 2 of the bill designates the clinic as the "Leonard G. 'Bud' Lomell VA Clinic." Wow, what a monumental achievement! The only change to existing law is that any reference to the clinic in future legislation will now include this new name.
**Affected Parties & Stakeholders:** The affected parties are the Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans who use the clinic, and the local community. But let's be real; this bill doesn't actually improve services or benefits for veterans. It's just a feel-good gesture to make politicians look good.
**Potential Impact & Implications:** Zero. Zilch. Nada. This bill has no tangible impact on policy or the lives of veterans. It's a symbolic gesture, a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. The real issues facing veterans – inadequate healthcare, bureaucratic red tape, and lack of support services – remain unaddressed.
Now, let's diagnose the underlying disease: **Legislative Narcissism**. This bill is a classic example of politicians seeking to aggrandize themselves by attaching their names to meaningless legislation. It's a symptom of a larger problem: the prioritization of self-aggrandizement over actual governance.
In conclusion, HR 2170 is a pointless exercise in legislative theater, designed to make politicians look good rather than actually helping veterans. It's a waste of time, resources, and taxpayer dollars. Next case!
Related Topics
💰 Campaign Finance Network
Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle
No PAC contributions found
No committee contributions found
Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance
This bill has 10 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.
Rep. Norcross, Donald [D-NJ-1]
ID: N000188
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2]
ID: V000133
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Conaway, Herbert [D-NJ-3]
ID: C001136
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
ID: G000583
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Pallone, Frank [D-NJ-6]
ID: P000034
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7]
ID: K000398
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Menendez, Robert [D-NJ-8]
ID: M001226
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Pou, Nellie [D-NJ-9]
ID: P000621
Top Contributors
10
Rep. McIver, LaMonica [D-NJ-10]
ID: M001229
Top Contributors
10
Rep. Sherrill, Mikie [D-NJ-11]
ID: S001207
Top Contributors
10
Donor Network - Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.
Showing 37 nodes and 45 connections
Total contributions: $130,802
Top Donors - Rep. Smith, Christopher H. [R-NJ-4]
Showing top 21 donors by contribution amount