May 21, 2018

Manchin Relieved House Follows His Lead and Passes Resolution to Rename the Huntington VA After Woody Williams

Washington, D.C. – Today, following last week’s urging from U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV), the House of Representatives passed a resolution to rename the Huntington VA Medical Center after Hershel “Woody” Williams. The resolution passed the Senate on September 7, 2017 and had been held up in the House ever since.

“I am thrilled my colleagues in the House of Representatives took my urging seriously and have finally honored my dear friend Woody Williams for the sacrifices he has made for our country and our beloved home of West Virginia,” Senator Manchin said. “For almost 100 years Woody has dedicated his life to public service and bravely served our country. Woody is a World War II hero, a Medal of Honor recipient and a staunch advocate for Gold Star Families. Nobody is more deserving of this honor and I am relieved the House of Representatives has finally honored Woody as the Senate did almost nine months ago.”

“I want to thank Senator Manchin and Congressman Jenkins for all of their effort to make this happen. It is something that I never actually dreamed or thought would happen in my lifetime. I just don’t know how to express my gratitude for what they have done and for the approval of the Congress. I consider it to be another one of those miracles. I’ve had so many in my lifetime and this adds to them. Just to have my name on an institution like that – one that will be around long after I’m gone – is truly an honor,” Woody Williams said.

Last week, Senator Manchin condemned the House of Representatives for not passing a resolution to rename the Huntington VA Medical Center after Woody. Senator Manchin introduced the resolution on May 18, 2017. The resolution passed the Senate on September 7, 2017 by unanimous consent and has been held up in the House of Representatives ever since. In April, Senator Manchin urged the Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Rep. Phil Roe (R-TN) and the Ranking Member Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN), to pass the resolution. 

###