SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND URGE PASSAGE OF BILL TO RENAME BUFFALO POST OFFICE IN HONOR OF “FATHER OF AMERICAN INTELLIGENCE” WILLIAM J. DONOVAN

Today, U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand called on Congress to quickly pass legislation renaming a Buffalo, New York post office in honor of Buffalo native William J. Donovan, known as the "Father of American Intelligence." The bill, H.R. 1706, would designate the U.S. Postal Service facility at 1200 William Street as the William J. Donovan Post Office Building. Donovan was a World War I and World War II hero, a Medal of Honor recipient, and a longtime public servant who helped position the U.S. as a global leader in national security as founding director of the Office of Strategic Services (OSS).

In a letter to Rand Paul, chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Ranking Member Gary Peters, Gillibrand and Schumer wrote that the renaming would be a fitting tribute to a leader who dedicated his life to national and local service.

"William J. Donovan served our nation with honor and dedication," said Senator Gillibrand. "He defended our country during both world wars, received the Medal of Honor for his bravery, and helped position the United States as a leader in national security. Renaming the post office in his honor will help his incredible legacy endure in Western New York."

"'Wild Bill' Donovan is an American hero who received the Medal of Honor and also was a founder of the modern intelligence community. He dedicated his life to serving Western New York and our country and played a key role protecting our national security during both world wars and in the decades after," said Senator Schumer. "I cannot think of any better way to honor his legacy than with a Buffalo post office designation."

In 1923, Donovan received the Medal of Honor for his actions during a 1918 battle near Landres-et-Saint-Georges, France, where he was shot but refused to leave the battlefield. He later served as U.S. attorney for the Western District of New York and as an assistant attorney general under President Calvin Coolidge. During World War II, Donovan founded and directed the Office of Strategic Services, the precursor to the modern-day Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). He retired from military service as a major general.

If approved by the committee, the bill moves to the full Senate for consideration.

Full text of the bill can be found here.

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