S-5655-119
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Armed Services.
Sponsored by Darline Graham (R-SC)
What it does
This bill would express the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should name an appropriate Navy ship in honor of the Battle of Cowpens (January 17, 1781). It is a statement of opinion only. It would not require the Navy to name any ship, set a ship type or date, or provide funding.
Who benefits
Veterans and former crew of the earlier USS Cowpens ships, who use the "Mighty Moo" nickname, and communities near Cowpens National Battlefield in South Carolina that may see added recognition. History and heritage groups tied to the Revolutionary War may also gain. Any benefit depends on the Secretary of the Navy choosing to act.
Who is hurt
No group is meaningfully affected. The bill does not bind the Navy or spend money. If a ship were later named, the Navy would face a minor administrative choice among competing naming proposals.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue the Battle of Cowpens was a turning point in the Southern Campaign and that the Navy has twice honored it with ships, including the carrier USS Cowpens (CVL-25) and the cruiser USS Cowpens (CG-63). They contend that, with the cruiser decommissioned in 2024, a new namesake would continue a long Navy tradition at no cost.
Opponents argue
Opponents argue that ship names are an executive and Navy matter and that Congress should leave them to the Secretary of the Navy's own process. They contend that non-binding resolutions use limited legislative time and that many other battles, people, and places also have claims on a limited list of new ship names.
Constitutional context
The bill raises no real constitutional question. Congress's Article I, Section 8 powers to make rules for the naval forces support such a non-binding statement, and the Secretary of the Navy keeps the decision as part of the Commander-in-Chief's executive branch.
Checks and balances
Congress offers a non-binding view and the executive branch (the Secretary of the Navy) keeps full discretion, so no branch gains or loses power.
Historical precedent
Congress has previously passed sense-of-Congress resolutions encouraging the Navy to name ships after particular people or events, though the Navy has kept final naming authority.