National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To President
- Became Law
Overview
This bill directs the Department of Veterans Affairs to exhume the remains of Fernando V. Cota from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in Texas. The VA must first notify Cota’s next of kin and then either return the remains to them or arrange for their proper disposal if no next of kin can be located. The bill addresses a situation where Cota was interred before regulations were in place that would have prevented his burial due to a past conviction.
Key provisions
- Requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter the remains of Fernando V. Cota.
- Sets a one-year deadline for the disinterment.
- Mandates notification to Cota’s next of kin before proceeding.
- Specifies that the remains should be returned to the next of kin if one is found.
- Outlines the process for disposition if no next of kin responds.
Who is affected
- Department of Veterans Affairs
- Veterans and their families
- Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
- Fernando V. Cota’s next of kin
Notable changes
- Addresses a historical discrepancy regarding interment regulations.
- Provides a specific directive to rectify a situation where a veteran was buried prior to current policy.
Bill text
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Sponsors
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2 on record
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Cosponsor
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