US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB6456

Introduced
12/4/25  

Caption

To require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter the remains of Fernando V. Cota from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas, and for other purposes.

Impact

The primary impact of HB6456 pertains to the procedures governing the disinterment of remains at national cemeteries, particularly emphasizing the role of the next of kin in decision-making. It could serve to establish or reinforce practices around notifying relatives and ensuring that their wishes regarding the treatment of remains are respected and upheld. Additionally, it may prompt broader discussions within the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the protocols associated with disinterment.

Summary

House Bill 6456 mandates the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter the remains of Fernando V. Cota from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in Texas. The bill outlines specific stipulations regarding the disinterment process, emphasizing the requirement for notification to the next of kin before the action takes place. This indicates a degree of sensitivity to the familial arrangements and sentiments associated with such a significant and potentially controversial action.

Contention

Discussion around HB6456 may bring forth differing opinions on the ethics and appropriateness of disinterring remains, especially in the context of military cemeteries where individuals are laid to rest with honor. While the bill does not seem to present direct points of substantial contention in the limited available text, ethical considerations regarding the dignity of those who have served their country and the wishes of families are likely to be topics of conversation among legislators and the public. Some may question the necessity or motivations behind such disinterment actions.

Notable_points

Notably, HB6456 does not stipulate any additional provisions or reasoning for the disinterment besides the directive to carry it out. This lack of detailed rationale may lead to further inquiries into the bill's inception and purpose, as well as its implications for other similar cases in the future. The requirement to notify next of kin showcases an important aspect of protecting family rights in matters concerning the deceased.

Companion Bills

US SB1071

Same As National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

Previously Filed As

US HR936

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3898) to amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to make targeted reforms with respect to waters of the United States and other matters, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3383) to amend the Investment Company Act of 1940 with respect to the authority of closed-end companies to invest in private funds; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3638) to direct the Secretary of Energy to prepare periodic assessments and submit reports on the supply chain for the generation and transmission of electricity, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3628) to amend the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 to add a standard related to State consideration of reliable generation, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3668) to promote interagency coordination for reviewing certain authorizations under section 3 of the Natural Gas Act, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (S. 1071) to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to disinter the remains of Fernando V. Cota from Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery, Texas, and for other purposes; and for other purposes.

US SB1071

National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026

US HB2078

Bertie’s Respect for National Cemeteries Act

US HB5203

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update directives of the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the management of acute sexual assault, and for other purposes.

US HB05293

An Act Concerning The Department Of Veterans Affairs And A Connecticut Veterans Cemetery.

US HR863

Honoring the heroic military service, sacrifices, and contributions of veterans from the great State of Texas, and for other purposes.

US HB6585

To direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to temporarily extend the period during which certain individuals may file claims for medical care under the CHAMPVA program of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

US SB2265

AN ACT to provide an appropriation to the department of veterans' affairs for a veterans' national cemetery grant; to authorize a line of credit; and to provide for a report.

US HB7150

To amend title 38, United States Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to submit to Congress a quarterly report on housing loans insured, guaranteed, or under laws administered by the Secretary, and for other purposes.

US SB812

A bill to direct the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans may obtain a physical copy of a form for reimbursement of certain travel expenses by mail or at medical facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.