S-1071 : Became Public Law


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.

Action Timeline

Action DateTypeTextSource
2025-12-18PresidentBecame Public Law No: 119-60.Library of Congress
2025-12-18PresidentSigned by President.Library of Congress
2025-12-18FloorPresented to President.House floor actions
2025-12-18FloorMessage on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
2025-12-17VoteSenate agreed to the House amendment to S. 1071 by Yea-Nay Vote. 77 - 20. Record Vote Number: 648.Senate
2025-12-17FloorMotion by Senator Thune to concur in the House amendment to S. 1071 with an amendment (SA 3961) withdrawn in Senate.Senate
2025-12-17FloorConsidered by Senate (Message from the House considered).Senate
2025-12-16FloorConsidered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S8749)Senate
2025-12-15FloorConsidered by Senate (Message from the House considered). (consideration: CR S8707-8708)Senate
2025-12-15FloorMotion by Senator Thune to refer to Senate Committee on Armed Services the House message to accompany S. 1071 with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment (SA 3963) fell when cloture was invoked on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 1071 in Senate.Senate
2025-12-15VoteCloture on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 1071 invoked in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 76 - 20. Record Vote Number: 647. (CR S8707)Senate
2025-12-11FloorMotion by Senator Thune to refer to Senate Committee on Armed Services the House message to accompany S. 1071 with instructions to report back forthwith with the following amendment (SA 3963) made in Senate. (CR S8656)Senate
2025-12-11FloorMotion by Senator Thune to concur in the House amendment to S. 1071 with an amendment (SA 3961) made in Senate. (CR S8656)Senate
2025-12-11FloorCloture motion on the motion to concur in the House amendment to S. 1071 presented in Senate. (CR S8655-8656)Senate
2025-12-11FloorMotion by Senator Thune to concur in the House amendment to S. 1071 made in Senate. (CR S8655)Senate
2025-12-11FloorMeasure laid before Senate by motion. (consideration: CR S8655-8656)Senate
2025-12-11VoteMotion to proceed to consideration of the House message to accompany S. 1071 agreed to in Senate by Yea-Nay Vote. 75 - 22. Record Vote Number: 646. (CR S8655)Senate
2025-12-10FloorMessage on House action received in Senate and at desk: House amendment to Senate bill.Senate
2025-12-10FloorMotion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
2025-12-10VoteOn passage Passed by the Yeas and Nays: 312 - 112 (Roll no. 320). (text of amendment in the nature of a substitute: CR H5136-5510)House floor actions
2025-12-10VoteOn motion to commit Failed by the Yeas and Nays: 209 - 216 (Roll no. 319).House floor actions
2025-12-10FloorConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5519-5520)House floor actions
2025-12-10FloorPOSTPONED PROCEEDINGS - At the conclusion of debate on S. 1071, the Chair put the question on motion to commit and by voice vote announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Norcross demanded the yeas and nays and the Chair postponed further proceedings until a time to be announced.House floor actions
2025-12-10FloorThe previous question on the motion to commit was ordered pursuant to clause 2(b) of rule XIX.House floor actions
2025-12-10FloorMr. Norcross moved to commit to the Committee on Armed Services. (text: CR H5518)House floor actions
2025-12-10FloorThe previous question was ordered pursuant to the rule.House floor actions
2025-12-10FloorDEBATE - The House proceeded with one hour of debate on S. 1071.House floor actions
2025-12-10FloorRule provides for consideration of H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, H.R. 3628, H.R. 3668 and S. 1071. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, and H.R. 3628 under a structured rule; and H.R. 3668 and S. 1071 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit on H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, H.R. 3628, and H.R. 3668; and one motion to commit on S. 1071.House floor actions
2025-12-10FloorConsidered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 936. (consideration: CR H5136-5518)House floor actions
2025-12-10FloorRule H. Res. 936 passed House.House floor actions
2025-12-09FloorRules Committee Resolution H. Res. 936 Reported to House. Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, H.R. 3628, H.R. 3668 and S. 1071. The resolution provides for consideration of H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, and H.R. 3628 under a structured rule; and H.R. 3668 and S. 1071 under a closed rule. The resolution provides for one motion to recommit on H.R. 3898, H.R. 3383, H.R. 3638, H.R. 3628, and H.R. 3668; and one motion to commit on S. 1071.House floor actions
2025-08-08FloorHeld at the desk.House floor actions
2025-08-08FloorReceived in the House.House floor actions
2025-08-08FloorMessage on Senate action sent to the House.Senate
2025-08-01FloorPassed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5475; text: CR S5475)Senate
2025-08-01DischargeSenate Committee on Veterans' Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.Senate
2025-03-14IntroReferralRead twice and referred to the Committee on Veterans' Affairs.Senate
2025-03-14IntroReferralIntroduced in SenateLibrary of Congress

Sponsor :

John Cornyn [R] (TX)
See Cosponsors

Policy Area :

Armed Forces and National Security
Related Subjects
  • Cemeteries and funerals
  • Veterans' organizations and recognition
Related Geographic Entities
  • Texas
Related Organizations