HR-323-119
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Sponsored by Claudia Tenney (R-NY)
What it does
This bill would officially rename the United States Postal Service facility at 80 Prospect Street in Avon, New York, as the "Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz Memorial Post Office Building." Any future references to this facility in official government documents, maps, regulations, or records would use the new name.
Who benefits
The family, friends, and colleagues of Officer Anthony Mazurkiewicz, who would see his memory honored through a permanent federal designation. Residents of Avon, New York, and the broader local community who may wish to commemorate the officer. Law enforcement communities who view such designations as recognition of officer sacrifice.
Who is hurt
There are no groups that are materially harmed by this bill. The Postal Service would incur minor administrative costs to update signage and official records, which are typically borne by the agency. Taxpayers bear those minimal costs indirectly.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that Officer Mazurkiewicz gave his life in service to his community and that a permanent federal designation is a fitting and lasting tribute to that sacrifice. They contend that naming public buildings after fallen officers is a well-established congressional tradition that costs taxpayers virtually nothing while providing meaningful recognition to grieving families and honoring the broader law enforcement community.
Opponents argue
Opponents might argue that Congress has limited floor and committee time, and that dedicating legislative resources to individual naming bills — of which hundreds are introduced each Congress — crowds out consideration of more substantive policy matters. They contend that commemorative designations are better handled at the state or local level, where communities can make such decisions without consuming federal legislative bandwidth.