ATLANTA – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) led the introduction of a bipartisan bill to rename the metro Atlanta VA Medical Center the “Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.”  Sen. Cleland passed away on November 9, 2021, at the age of 79. Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) led the legislation in the Senate. 

To rename a VA facility, each member of the congressional delegation representing the state where the designated facility is located must indicate, in writing, his or her support of the bill. Additionally, the pertinent state department or chapter of each congressionally chartered veterans’ organization with a national membership of at least 500,000 must indicate, in writing, its support of the bill.

“Senator Max Cleland spent his entire career serving his fellow soldiers and veterans,” said Congresswoman Nikema Williams. “Senator Cleland exemplified patriotism, inspiring every American. Renaming the Atlanta VA Medical Center after Senator Cleland means his legacy will continue to touch generations of veterans to come. I am proud to join  Senator Reverend Raphael Warnock and my fellow members of the Georgia Congressional Delegation in this effort to rename the Atlanta VA Medical Center after one of Georgia’s greatest sons and a true American hero.”

“As a new Senator for Georgia, I am honored to follow the long and noble legacy paved by Max Cleland in his 50 years of service to Georgians, veterans, and our country,” said Senator Reverend Warnock. “Georgia and our nation have lost a true giant of public service, a compassionate leader and passionate patriot with a big heart for our veterans and communities. It is a great privilege to bring Republicans and Democrats together to honor a man of Senator Cleland’s magnitude. May his life, legacy, and name live forever in our hearts and in our spirits.” 

The bill reads in part:

“Joseph Maxwell Cleland was a patriot, veteran, and lifelong civil servant who proudly served Georgia, the United States, and all veterans and members of the Armed Forces of the United States. On November 9, 2021, at the age of 79, 15 Joseph Maxwell Cleland died, leaving behind a legacy of service, sacrifice, and joy.” 

Click here to read the text of the bill. 

CONTACT: PressGA05@mail.house.gov 

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