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HR 3179

To rename the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge located in the State of Texas as the "Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge".

119th Congress Introduced by Brian Babin and 12 co-sponsors

HR 3179 renames the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas to honor Jocelyn Nungaray, ensuring her legacy while protecting wildlife and engaging over 800,000 annual visitors.

Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources. H. Rept. 119-192.
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Bill Summary · HR 3179

Summary of HR 3179: Renaming the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge

Bill Overview

  • Bill Number: HR 3179
  • Title: To rename the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge located in the State of Texas as the "Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge".
  • Introduced: May 5, 2025
  • Status: Reported by the Committee on Natural Resources (H. Rept. 119-192)
  • Primary Sponsor: Representative Brian Babin (R-TX)

Purpose of the Legislation

The primary intent of HR 3179 is to officially rename the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge in Texas to the "Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge." This renaming serves as a permanent tribute to Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl from Houston, Texas, who was tragically murdered in June 2024.

Background

Jocelyn Nungaray's death, which received national attention, was linked to two illegal aliens allegedly associated with the Tren de Aragua gang. In response to her murder and her love for animals, President Trump signed Executive Order 14229 on March 5, 2025, directing the Secretary of the Interior to rename the refuge in her honor. HR 3179 aims to codify this executive order, ensuring that the name change cannot be reversed without Congressional action.

Key Provisions

  • Renaming: The bill codifies the renaming of the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge to the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge.
  • Legal References: All legal documents, maps, and records referring to the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge will be updated to reflect the new name.
  • Protection of the Name Change: The legislation ensures that future administrations cannot alter the name without Congressional approval.

Impact

  • Commemoration: The renaming serves as a memorial for Jocelyn Nungaray, recognizing her affinity for animals and nature.
  • Public Engagement: The Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, which attracts over 800,000 visitors annually, will continue to serve as a sanctuary for wildlife and a site for recreational activities such as fishing and wildlife viewing.
  • Legislative Support: The bill has garnered bipartisan support, with multiple cosponsors from both parties.

Procedural Timeline

  • May 5, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
  • May 20, 2025: Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held a hearing on the bill.
  • June 25, 2025: The Committee on Natural Resources met to consider the bill and reported it favorably without amendments.
  • July 10, 2025: The bill was placed on the House Calendar for further consideration.

Conclusion

HR 3179 seeks to honor the memory of Jocelyn Nungaray by renaming the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, ensuring that her legacy is preserved within the context of wildlife conservation and public engagement in Texas. The bill reflects a commitment to both commemorating a tragic loss and promoting the values of nature and wildlife protection.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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