House · S 1596 · 119th Congress
Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act
Sign in to cast a dissent vote.
Summary
This bill renames the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas after Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl murdered in Houston in 2024. All government documents and maps must use the new name going forward. The change affects the official name of the refuge and nothing else.
In Favor
Congress has long named federal lands after individuals as a form of civic recognition. This bill uses that same authority to honor Jocelyn Nungaray, whose community surrounds the refuge. Congressional findings link her directly to the area and note her love of animals. The renaming costs little but creates a permanent public record of her life.
Against
The bill dedicates a public wildlife refuge as a personal tribute to one individual. Federal refuges are usually named for places or shared natural features. Changing the name sets a new standard for renaming federal lands and may complicate future decisions about naming public spaces.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
This bill renames a national wildlife refuge in Texas to honor Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl murdered in Houston in June 2024. Congress cites her love of animals and the refuge's closeness to her hometown as reasons for the choice.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The bill's findings section describes the circumstances of Nungaray's death and identifies the accused as members of a gang. The renaming itself stays focused on the name change for the refuge.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
The refuge, currently called Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, gets a new official name. Federal agencies must update any laws, maps, rules, and records that refer to the old name.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The bill authorizes no funds and sets no fees. The main cost structure is the administrative work agencies must do to update official documents, maps, and records to reflect the new name.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
Agencies must review and update all official records, maps, and legal documents that use the old name. The bill does not set a deadline or assign a specific agency to lead that update process.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 6/5/2026