Georgia legislators push naming hospital after Max Cleland

U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock is leading a bipartisan group of legislators in an effort to rename the Atlanta Veterans Affairs hospital in Decatur after Georgia politician Max Cleland.

Cleland, who held positions in state and the federal governments, including head of the VA, died Nov. 9.

“We lost a true giant of public service, a leader, difference-maker and passionate patriot with a big heart for our veterans and communities,” Warnock said in a written statement Friday.

He said it’s a privilege to bring both political parties together to honor Cleland and added, “May his life, legacy and name live on forever in our hearts and in our spirits.”

Fellow Georgia Democrats Sen. Jon Ossoff and Rep. Nikema Williams were among those who signed onto the bill to change the name of the hospital to the Joseph Maxwell Cleland Atlanta Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Cleland was severely wounded in Vietnam, losing three limbs. He worked hard to recover from his wounds and went on to serve as a state legislator, Georgia Secretary of State, head of the VA, U.S. senator and in an appointed federal post overseeing battlefield monuments.

About the Author

National Guard member shot in DC has shown positive signs, West Virginia governor says

West Virginia's governor says a National Guard member from his state who was shot last week in an attack in Washington, D.C.

Chairman of vaccine committee leaves for new HHS job

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has replaced the head of his controversial vaccine advisory committee

A dozen former FDA leaders lambaste claims by the agency's current vaccine chief

A dozen prior leaders of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a scathing denunciation of an FDA memo to staff that made sweeping claims casting doubt on vaccine safety

The Latest