NBC Montana: Bipartisan bill to rename Butte VA after Montana WWII hero

The U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation Monday to rename the Butte VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic, in honor of Montana World War II hero Charlie Dowd.

Dowd was Montana’s last Pearl Harbor survivor, who passed away in March 2023.

The bill was originally sponsored by U.S. Sen. Jon Tester and U.S. Sen. Steve Daines in May.

The bill is now headed to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law.

Montana’s entire congressional delegation celebrated its passage through the two chambers.

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines issued the following statement:

“Charlie Dowd was a Montana hero who fought with outstanding bravery in World War II and dedicated his life to advocating for veterans,” said Daines. “I applaud the U.S. House of Representatives for passing S. 2385, which will continue Charlie Dowd’s legacy as a patriot and defender of freedom by renaming the VA facility in his honor.”

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester issued the following statement:

“Charlie Dowd’s extraordinary courage at Pearl Harbor and exemplary service is what makes America the greatest country on earth,” said Tester. “Charlie was one of Montana’s very best, and naming the new Butte VA Clinic in his honor ensures his legacy and that of the entire Greatest Generation is never forgotten. It’s a fitting honor for a clinic that serves thousands of Butte-Silver Bow veterans, and I urge the President to sign our bill into law without delay.”

U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke issued the following statement:

“Radioman Dowd is a true example of a man who loved his community and his country and lived every day to serve both. Listening to Dowd recount his experiences from Pearl Harbor and the South Pacific and watching him tap on the table to the Morse Code he sent as a radioman will always be one of my most meaningful visits and lasting memories,” Congressman Ryan Zinke said. “Renaming the clinic after this American and community Hero will serve as a reminder of the life of service and commitment to patriotism Charlie Dowd lived that we can all look up to. I urge President Biden to sign this bill into law immediately.”

U.S. Rep. Matt Rosendale issued the following statement:

“Heroes like Charlie Dowd are what make America a beacon of hope here and abroad,” said Rep. Rosendale. “Naming the facility that provides care for thousands of veterans across the Treasure State in Charlie’s honor would be a worthy accolade for his bravery and service to our great nation. Charlie Dowd devoted his life to defending our freedoms, serving our veterans, and strengthening Montana communities.”