Medal of Sacrifice Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 3497
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Became Law
- Became Law
- Public Law 119-94
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-28: Became Public Law No: 119-94.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-24T19:19:34Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Medal of Sacrifice Act of 2025 (H.R. 3497) creates a new presidential medal to honor law enforcement officers and first responders who die in the line of duty, recognizing their sacrifice.
Key Provisions
- Medal Establishment: The President must issue the "Medal of Sacrifice" to eligible recipients.
- Eligibility:
- Applies to local, state, Tribal, territorial, or federal law enforcement officers or first responders killed while performing duties.
- Exception: Ineligible if an "official finding of wrongdoing" exists (defined as a determination by a superior or agency that the individual acted outside duties or against policies). A commission investigates and makes the final call.
- Commission Creation:
- President appoints 12 members (law enforcement officers, first responders, and organization representatives) within 150 days of enactment.
- Members serve 5-year terms (up to two terms), unpaid; vacancies filled by President.
- Duties: Advise on medal design and eligibility criteria; promote the medal; decide presentation methods; handle exception investigations; initial awards to three specific deputies (Ralph "Butch" Waller, Ignacio "Dan" Diaz, Luis Paez).
- Commission sunsets (ends) once tasks are complete.
- Medal Design: Detailed specifications include a modified quatrefoil shape with U.S. seal elements, heraldic symbols (e.g., lions, oak leaves), "SACRIFICE" inscription, engraved names on reverse, silver with gold vermeil plating, 2.25-inch diameter, ~63 grams, suspended from blue or red ribbon.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Introduces a new federal honor specifically for law enforcement and first responders killed in duty; no prior equivalent medal is referenced.
- Establishes a temporary commission for oversight, with unique investigative authority over eligibility disputes.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Minor administrative duties for the President (issuing medals, appointing commission); affected agencies provide input on wrongdoing findings.
- Citizens: Provides symbolic recognition and closure for families of fallen officers/responders; no direct financial benefits.
- International Relations: None apparent.
Main Stakeholders
- Families and estates of eligible fallen law enforcement officers and first responders.
- Local, state, Tribal, territorial, and federal law enforcement/first responder agencies.
- Commission members and represented organizations.
- The President and executive branch.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Commission's final say on eligibility could standardize "line of duty" determinations across jurisdictions, reducing disputes.
- Constitutional: Relies on President's inherent award powers; unpaid commission avoids appropriations issues.
- Political: Honors public safety personnel, potentially boosting morale; specific initial awards highlight individual cases without broader controversy.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (36)
Rep. Taylor, David J. [R-OH-2], Rep. Gonzales, Tony [R-TX-23], Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19], Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23], Rep. Webster, Daniel [R-FL-11], Rep. Gill, Brandon [R-TX-26], Rep. Fitzgerald, Scott [R-WI-5], Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3], Rep. Steil, Bryan [R-WI-1], Rep. Barrett, Tom [R-MI-7], Rep. Spartz, Victoria [R-IN-5], Rep. Dunn, Neal P. [R-FL-2], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Correa, J. Luis [D-CA-46], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Frankel, Lois [D-FL-22], Rep. Lee, Laurel M. [R-FL-15], Rep. Schmidt, Derek [R-KS-2], Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1], Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4], Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Cline, Ben [R-VA-6], Rep. Messmer, Mark B. [R-IN-8], Rep. Perez, Marie Gluesenkamp [D-WA-3], Rep. Calvert, Ken [R-CA-41], Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47], Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24], Rep. Suozzi, Thomas R. [D-NY-3], Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7], Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Moore, Tim [R-NC-14], Rep. Mackenzie, Ryan [R-PA-7], Rep. Barr, Andy [R-KY-6], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-28: Became Public Law No: 119-94.
- 2026-05-28: Became Public Law No: 119-94.
- 2026-05-28: Signed by President.
- 2026-05-28: Signed by President.
- 2026-05-20: Presented to President.
- 2026-05-20: Presented to President.
- 2026-05-12: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
- 2026-05-11: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2204; text: CR S2204)
- 2026-05-11: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-05-11: Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-05-11: Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
- 2026-02-03: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 2026-02-02: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-02-02: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1925-1926)
- 2026-02-02: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1925-1926)
Bill Versions
- Medal of Sacrifice Act — issued 2026-02-02 — PDF (8 pages)
- Medal of Sacrifice Act — issued 2026-05-13 — PDF (3 pages)
- Medal of Sacrifice Act — issued 2025-05-19 — PDF (6 pages)
- Medal of Sacrifice Act — issued 2026-02-03 — PDF (6 pages)
- Medal of Sacrifice Act — issued 2026-01-27 — PDF (8 pages)