S 1071

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Summary

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to disinter the remains of Fernando V. Cota from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas, after notifying his next of kin. The VA must relinquish the remains to the next of kin or, if no next of kin responds to the notification, arrange for the disposition of the remains. Cota was interred prior to the enactment of regulations that would have barred his interment due to a 1975 rape conviction.

Bill status

Status
Became law
Sponsor
Sen. John Cornyn [R-TX]
Cosponsors
1
Policy area
Armed Forces and National Security
Introduced
2025-03-14
Latest action
2025-12-18: Became Public Law No: 119-60.

Committee referrals

Recent actions

  • 2025-12-18: Became Public Law No: 119-60.
  • 2025-12-18: Became Public Law No: 119-60.
  • 2025-12-18: Signed by President.
  • 2025-12-18: Signed by President.
  • 2025-12-18: Presented to President.

Votes