Bill Summary
The "Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act" is a legislative measure that officially renames the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas to honor 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, who was tragically murdered in June 2024. The act highlights the circumstances surrounding her death, noting that two individuals linked to a gang were charged with the crime. In recognition of Jocelyn's love for animals and her connection to the Houston area, the renaming is intended as a tribute to her memory. The act also ensures that all legal references to the refuge will now reflect its new name, the "Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge."
Possible Impacts
The "Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge Act" can affect people in various ways. Here are three examples:
1. **Community Healing and Awareness**: Renaming the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge to honor Jocelyn Nungaray can serve as a symbolic gesture of remembrance for her tragic death. This act can promote community healing and awareness about the issues of violence and crime, particularly those involving children. It may encourage discussions around safety, the impacts of gang violence, and the importance of protecting vulnerable populations.
2. **Increased Visitor Engagement**: The renaming of the wildlife refuge may attract more visitors who want to pay their respects and learn more about Jocelyn's story. This could lead to increased tourism and economic benefits for the local area, as people may visit the refuge not only for its natural beauty but also to participate in educational programs or memorial events that honor her legacy.
3. **Policy and Legislative Impact**: The act of renaming the refuge may spark further legislative actions or community initiatives aimed at addressing the root causes of violence, crime, and immigration issues highlighted in Jocelyn's case. It could lead to increased advocacy for policies that protect children and improve community safety, encouraging citizens and lawmakers to engage more actively in related social issues.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 1596 Enrolled Bill (ENR)]
S.1596
One Hundred Nineteenth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE FIRST SESSION
Begun and held at the City of Washington on Friday,
the third day of January, two thousand and twenty five
An Act
To rename the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge located in the State of
Texas as the ``Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge''.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife
Refuge Act''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress finds the following:
(1) On June 17, 2024, 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray was brutally
murdered in Houston, Texas.
(2) Two illegal aliens who were allegedly members of the Tren
de Aragua gang have been charged with her murder.
(3) On March 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed
Executive Order 14229 (90 Fed. Reg. 11585; relating to honoring
Jocelyn Nungaray) renaming the area known as the Anahuac National
Wildlife Refuge to ``Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge''.
(4) Ms. Nungaray loved animals and, given the close proximity
of her hometown of Houston, it is fitting that the Anahuac National
Wildlife Refuge be renamed in her honor.
SEC. 3. RENAMING OF ANAHUAC NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE.
(a) Renaming.--The Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge located in the
State of Texas shall be known as the ``Jocelyn Nungaray National
Wildlife Refuge''.
(b) References.--Any reference in a law, map, regulation, document,
paper, or other record of the United States to the national wildlife
refuge referred to in subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference
to the ``Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge''.
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Vice President of the United States and
President of the Senate.