HR-7365-119
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Sponsored by Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA)
What it does
This bill would officially rename the United States Postal Service facility at 1225 Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach, Virginia, as the "Colonel Edward Shames Post Office Building." Any future references to this facility in official government documents, maps, regulations, or records would use the new name. The bill makes no changes to postal operations, staffing, or funding.
Who benefits
The family, friends, and fellow veterans who knew Colonel Edward Shames would see his memory honored through a permanent public designation. Residents of the Virginia Beach community served by this post office would have a named landmark recognizing local military history. Veterans' groups and organizations that advocate for public recognition of military service members may also view this as a positive outcome.
Who is hurt
No group faces a direct material harm from this bill. There are minor administrative costs to updating signage and official records, which would be borne by the U.S. Postal Service and, indirectly, taxpayers. Individuals or groups who believe congressional floor time should be reserved for other legislative priorities may view the opportunity cost as a minor negative.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that Colonel Edward Shames — a decorated World War II veteran who served with the famed 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, Easy Company (the "Band of Brothers") — made extraordinary sacrifices in service to the country and deserves lasting public recognition in his home community of Virginia Beach. They contend that naming public facilities after distinguished veterans is a longstanding, bipartisan congressional tradition that costs taxpayers virtually nothing while honoring those who served.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that post office naming bills consume limited congressional floor time and legislative resources that could be directed toward more substantive policy matters. They contend that while honoring veterans is broadly supported, the volume of such commemorative bills — Congress passes dozens each session — raises questions about whether the designation carries meaningful weight or has become a routine procedural exercise with little deliberative value.
Constitutional context
No significant constitutional issues are raised by this bill. Congress has clear authority to name federal facilities under its broad legislative powers, and commemorative designations of this kind have never presented a serious constitutional question.
Checks and balances
Congress exercises its authority to designate federal facility names; the U.S. Postal Service, an independent establishment of the executive branch, would implement the name change administratively with no additional oversight mechanism required.
Historical precedent
Congress routinely passes post office naming bills; hundreds of USPS facilities have been named after veterans and other notable figures through this same legislative mechanism in prior sessions.