Iranian Campaign Medal Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4254
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-30: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-24T20:14:58Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The legislation aims to recognize and honor members of the U.S. Armed Forces who served in support of military operations during the Iran-Israel War, particularly Operation Midnight Hammer, by establishing a new service medal.
Key Provisions
- Authorization of Medal: The Secretary of the relevant military branch (referred to as the "Secretary concerned") is authorized to issue a service medal called the "Iranian Campaign Medal" to eligible individuals.
- Design and Accessories: The medal's design must be approved by the Secretary of Defense and includes accompanying items such as ribbons and lapel pins.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- Served on active duty in support of a designated operation during the Iran-Israel War, including Operation Midnight Hammer (conducted on June 22, 2025).
- Was deployed in an area designated by the Secretary concerned as eligible for the award.
- Performed other qualifying service as determined by the Secretary concerned.
- Limitations: Only one medal may be awarded to any individual.
- Issuance to Next-of-Kin: If the eligible person is deceased, the medal may be issued to their next-of-kin.
- Regulations: The Secretaries of the military branches will prescribe rules for issuance, with the Secretary of Defense ensuring uniformity across branches where practical.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new military award specifically tailored to service in the Iran-Israel War and related operations, which did not previously exist. It adds to the existing framework of U.S. military decorations (such as campaign medals for past conflicts) by creating eligibility tied to a specific, recent conflict and operation.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Department of Defense and military branches will need to develop designs, designate eligible areas, process applications, and manage issuance, potentially requiring administrative resources and coordination.
- On Citizens: Provides formal recognition to veterans and active-duty personnel involved, which could boost morale and support for military families; next-of-kin of deceased service members may receive the medal as a memorial.
- On International Relations: No direct impact, though it signals U.S. acknowledgment of involvement in the Iran-Israel War, potentially influencing diplomatic perceptions of U.S. military commitments in the region.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- U.S. Armed Forces Members: Eligible service personnel, including those on active duty, deployed, or in support roles during the specified operations.
- Military Families: Including next-of-kin of deceased eligible individuals who may receive the medal.
- Department of Defense and Military Branches: Responsible for design, eligibility determinations, and uniform implementation.
- Congress: Introduced by a bipartisan group of representatives, indicating support from lawmakers focused on military recognition.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes a statutory basis for the medal, ensuring consistent application across military branches without conflicting with existing award regulations; eligibility is flexible but subject to administrative rules to prevent overuse.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under Article I, Section 8 to "make Rules for the Government and Regulation of the land and naval Forces," providing a mechanism to honor military service without raising separation-of-powers issues.
- Political: Highlights congressional intent to commemorate a specific conflict (Iran-Israel War), which could foster unity around military support but may spark debate on U.S. involvement in Middle East operations; as an introduced bill (not yet enacted), it reflects early legislative momentum from a coalition of representatives.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (14)
Rep. Alford, Mark [R-MO-4], Rep. Fallon, Pat [R-TX-4], Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11], Rep. Ciscomani, Juan [R-AZ-6], Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13], Rep. Nunn, Zachary [R-IA-3], Rep. Graves, Sam [R-MO-6], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Tenney, Claudia [R-NY-24], Rep. Bresnahan, Robert P. [R-PA-8], Rep. Simpson, Michael K. [R-ID-2], Rep. Lucas, Frank D. [R-OK-3], Rep. Crank, Jeff [R-CO-5], Rep. Hamadeh, Abraham J. [R-AZ-8]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-30: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 2025-06-30: Introduced in House
- 2025-06-30: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Iranian Campaign Medal Act — issued 2025-06-30 — PDF (3 pages)