Medal of Sacrifice Act
- Bill Number
- S. 3765
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-02-03: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-17T14:43:29Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of S. 3765 - Medal of Sacrifice Act
Purpose
This bill aims to create a new national award, called the Medal of Sacrifice, to honor law enforcement officers and first responders who die while performing their duties. It recognizes their ultimate sacrifice and provides a formal way to commemorate their service.
Key Provisions
- Establishment of the Medal: The President must issue the Medal of Sacrifice to eligible individuals who are local, state, tribal, territorial, or federal law enforcement officers or first responders killed in the line of duty.
- Eligibility Criteria:
- General eligibility applies to those killed while on duty.
- Exclusion for wrongdoing: Individuals are ineligible if there is an official finding of wrongdoing (defined as a determination by their superior or employing agency that they acted outside their duties or against agency policies). In such cases, a new commission investigates and makes the final eligibility decision.
- Commission on the Medal:
- The President must establish a 12-member Commission within 150 days of the bill's enactment. Members include law enforcement officers, first responders, and representatives from relevant organizations.
- Commission members serve 5-year terms (up to two terms), receive no pay, and are appointed to fill vacancies.
- Responsibilities include advising on medal design, promoting the medal, deciding presentation methods, handling eligibility investigations for wrongdoing cases, and advising on overall criteria.
- The Commission must initially award the medal to three specific deputies: Ralph "Butch" Waller (Badge #8434), Ignacio "Dan" Diaz (Badge #7637), and Luis Paez (Badge #3882).
- The Commission dissolves once its tasks are complete, as determined by the President.
- Medal Design Details: The medal features a modified quatrefoil shape (a flower-like design with four lobes) around a central octagon, incorporating elements from the Great Seal of the United States (redesigned in 1885 by Tiffany & Co.). It includes an eagle with a shield, lions, a crest with a torch, the motto "Integritas" (meaning integrity), stars, oak leaves symbolizing strength and resilience, and the word "SACRIFICE" at the base. The reverse side is engraved with names of recipients. It is made of silver (Ag925) with 24k gold vermeil plating, weighs about 63 grams, measures 2.25 inches in diameter, and hangs from a blue (azure) or red (gules) ribbon based on the honoree.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This legislation introduces an entirely new federal medal and supporting commission, with no direct reference to prior laws. It creates a structured process for posthumous recognition that did not previously exist at the national level for these groups, filling a gap in formal honors for line-of-duty deaths beyond existing awards like the Purple Heart (primarily for military service).
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: Requires the President to establish and oversee the Commission, involving administrative efforts for appointments, investigations, and medal production. It may increase symbolic coordination between federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial agencies in honoring fallen personnel.
- On Citizens: Provides emotional and public recognition for families of deceased officers and responders, potentially aiding in grief support and community morale. It does not create financial benefits but elevates the national profile of these professions.
- On International Relations: Minimal impact, as the bill focuses on domestic service members; it could indirectly enhance the U.S. image of valuing public safety roles but has no foreign policy elements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders: Direct honorees (posthumously) and Commission members, benefiting from formalized recognition.
- Families and Survivors: Receive the medal, gaining a tangible symbol of honor and potential closure.
- Relevant Organizations: Groups knowledgeable about law enforcement (e.g., unions or associations) provide Commission input and may promote the award.
- Government Entities: The President, federal agencies (for implementation), and local/state/tribal authorities (for eligibility reporting and investigations).
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Establishes clear eligibility rules and an investigative process to ensure fairness, potentially reducing disputes over awards. The Commission's advisory role avoids overreach, as final decisions rest with the President.
- Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's power to regulate federal honors (under Article I) and does not infringe on states' rights, as it applies voluntarily across jurisdictions without mandating participation.
- Political: Promotes bipartisanship (introduced by senators from different parties) and national unity in valuing public service. It could inspire similar recognitions but raises minor concerns about subjectivity in wrongdoing investigations, though the Commission's structure provides checks. The specific initial awards highlight a targeted tribute, possibly tied to recent events, without broader political favoritism.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Sen. Cortez Masto, Catherine [D-NV]
Recent Actions
- 2026-02-03: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 2026-02-03: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Medal of Sacrifice Act — issued 2026-02-03 — PDF (6 pages)