Senate passes Cornyn bill renaming wildlife refuge after Jocelyn Nungaray

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The Senate passed a bill on Tuesday to rename a wildlife refuge after Jocelyn Nungaray, a 12-year-old girl allegedly killed by two Venezuelan migrants last year.

The measure, offered by Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) in a unanimous consent request from the Senate floor, would codify an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in March.

Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, is surrounded by reporters as he heads to the chamber during a test vote to begin debate on a border security bill, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Reporters surround Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) as he heads to the chamber during a test vote to begin debate on a border security bill, at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

It must still be considered by the GOP-controlled House, but faced no resistance from Senate Democrats and was approved by voice vote. The Washington Examiner was the first to report on Cornyn’s motion.

Trump debuted the executive order at his March joint address to Congress, inviting the mother of Nungaray and other crime victims. 

Trump has made an immigration crackdown the centerpiece of his second term, drawing scrutiny for the deportation of alleged Venezuelan gang members to a super prison in El Salvador despite complaints over due process.

The two suspects in Nungaray’s death, who will be on trial in Texas, are accused of being Tren de Aragua members.

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In a brief floor speech, Cornyn described the bill as a way to “ensure that future generations will remember Jocelyn for years to come.” The refuge is located outside of Nungaray’s hometown of Houston.

Two of Cornyn’s Texas colleagues, Sen. Ted Cruz and Rep. Brian Babin, both Republicans, co-sponsored the bill.

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