H.R. 4288 — To name the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in San Jose, California, as the "Corporal Patrick D. Tillman VA Clinic".
Executive Summary
This bill officially renames the Department of Veterans Affairs community-based outpatient clinic in San Jose, California, as the 'Corporal Patrick D. Tillman VA Clinic'. Pat Tillman, a San Jose native, famously walked away from a lucrative NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals to enlist in the U.S. Army Rangers following the September 11 attacks. He was tragically killed by friendly fire in Afghanistan in 2004. This legislation serves as a bipartisan, localized tribute to his sacrifice and legacy in his hometown.
Arguments For
- Bipartisan slam-dunk: Honors a universally recognized American hero whose story resonates across the political spectrum.
- Provides a highly visible, localized political win for the California delegation by memorializing a hometown hero in San Jose.
- Explicitly acknowledges the fratricide, avoiding the historical controversy of the military's initial cover-up of his death.
Likely Supporters
Arguments Against
- Purely symbolic legislation; it does not address systemic issues within the VA, wait times, or the quality of veteran care.
- Takes up floor time for a naming bill rather than substantive policy changes.
Likely Opponents
📋 Key Provisions
- Outlines Congressional findings regarding Pat Tillman's life, including his birth in San Jose, his collegiate and professional football career, and his decision to join the U.S. Army Rangers alongside his brother Kevin.
- Acknowledges Tillman's deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan, his death via fratricide while providing cover for fellow soldiers, and his posthumous promotion to corporal and awarding of the Silver Star and Purple Heart.
- Officially designates the VA community-based outpatient clinic in San Jose, California, as the 'Corporal Patrick D. Tillman Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic' or the 'Pat Tillman VA Clinic'.
search
Verification Guide
BETA
expand_more
Don't trust AI? Don't worry, neither do I. Verify the claims yourself.
Tillman suspended his NFL career to join the Army alongside his brother Kevin.
"suspend a lucrative career in the NFL"
Tillman was killed via fratricide while attempting to provide cover for fellow soldiers.
"killed via fratricide as he attempted"
Designates the San Jose VA clinic as the Corporal Patrick D. Tillman Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic.
"Corporal Patrick D. Tillman Depart"