National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

This bill requires the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter the remains of Fernando V. Cota from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in Texas within one year after the bill becomes law. Before performing the disinterment, the Secretary must notify Fernando V. Cota’s next of kin. After disinterment, the Secretary must either return the remains to the notified next of kin or, if no such next of kin responds, arrange for disposition of the remains as the Secretary sees fit. The text indicates the bill advanced in the Senate (passed August 1, 2025), though it does not specify any House action or final enactment.