Robert Lodge Medal of Honor Act

Bill Number

H.R. 9106

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Armed Forces and National Security

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-06-02: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.

Last Updated

2026-06-10T08:07:43Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

This legislation authorizes the President to award the Medal of Honor to Robert Lodge for specific acts of valor during the Vietnam War, overriding standard time restrictions that would otherwise prevent the award.

Key Provisions

• Short title: The bill is designated as the "Robert Lodge Medal of Honor Act."
• Authorization: The President may award the Medal of Honor under section 9271 of title 10, United States Code, for actions taken by Robert Lodge as an Air Force member on May 10, 1972, during the Vietnam War.
• Waiver of limits: The award is permitted despite time restrictions in section 9274 of title 10, United States Code, or any other applicable deadlines for military medals.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Introduces a targeted exception to existing time limitations on awarding the Medal of Honor, allowing recognition for an event from 1972 that would otherwise be ineligible due to statutory deadlines.
• Does not alter the general criteria or process for the Medal of Honor but creates a one-time authorization for this individual case.

Potential Impacts

• Government agencies: Enables the President and the Department of Defense to proceed with the award without legal barriers from time limits, potentially involving review by the Air Force.
• Citizens: Provides formal recognition to Robert Lodge and may affect veterans or families seeking similar posthumous or delayed honors.
• International relations: No direct effects identified, as the bill focuses solely on a domestic military award.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Robert Lodge (the recipient).
• The U.S. Congress (as the authorizing body).
• The President (responsible for the award).
• The Department of Defense and Air Force (involved in medal administration).

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Creates a specific statutory waiver of time-based restrictions in title 10, United States Code, for this award only.
• Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's authority under Article I to regulate military honors and the President's role as Commander in Chief.
• Political: Represents a private relief measure, common for addressing individual cases of delayed recognition in military awards.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]

Cosponsors (4)

Rep. Issa, Darrell [R-CA-48], Rep. Ellzey, Jake [R-TX-6], Rep. Fleischmann, Charles J. "Chuck" [R-TN-3], Rep. Crank, Jeff [R-CO-5]

Recent Actions

• 2026-06-02: Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
• 2026-06-02: Introduced in House
• 2026-06-02: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Robert Lodge Medal of Honor Act — issued 2026-06-02 — PDF (2 pages)