H.R. 3497House119th Congress (2025-2027)Enacted

Medal of Sacrifice Act

AI-Generated Summary

Updated May 13, 2026 at 4:51 AM UTC

The Medal of Sacrifice Act creates a national medal to honor law‑enforcement officers and first responders who die while performing their duties. The President will issue the medal, and a new commission will oversee its design, eligibility rules, and award process. The law applies to local, state, tribal, territorial, and federal personnel, but excludes anyone found to have acted improperly.

Key Provisions

The President must issue a Medal of Sacrifice to any law‑enforcement officer or first responder killed in the line of duty.
Eligibility is limited to those without an official finding of wrongdoing; a commission will investigate any such findings and make a final eligibility decision.
A 12‑member, unpaid Commission on the Medal of Sacrifice is created, with members appointed by the President for up to two five‑year terms.
The Commission’s duties include designing the medal, setting presentation procedures, advising on eligibility criteria, and awarding the first medals to three named deputies.
The commission will dissolve once it has completed all its responsibilities, as determined by the President.

Legislative Activity

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18 earlier actions

Became Law Latest Action

Became Public Law No: 119-94.

May 28, 2026

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HouseIntro Referral

Introduced in House

May 19, 2025

HouseIntro Referral

Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Judiciary Committee

May 19, 2025

HouseCommittee

Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Judiciary Committee

December 18, 2025

HouseCommittee

Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.

Judiciary Committee

December 18, 2025

HouseCommittee

Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-466.

Judiciary Committee

January 27, 2026

HouseCalendars

Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 399.

January 27, 2026

HouseFloor

Mr. Jordan moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

February 2, 2026 • 4:30 PM

HouseFloor

Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1925-1927)

February 2, 2026 • 4:30 PM

HouseFloor

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3497.

February 2, 2026 • 4:30 PM

HouseFloor

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)

February 2, 2026 • 4:40 PM

HouseFloor

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1925-1926)

February 2, 2026 • 4:40 PM

HouseFloor

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

February 2, 2026 • 4:40 PM

SenateIntro Referral

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

February 3, 2026

SenateCommittee

Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

May 11, 2026

SenateFloor

Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2204; text: CR S2204)

May 11, 2026

SenateFloor

Message on Senate action sent to the House.

May 12, 2026

President

Presented to President.

May 20, 2026

Became Law

Signed by President.

May 28, 2026

Became Law

Became Public Law No: 119-94.

May 28, 2026

Floor Debate

5 members

What members said about H.R. 3497 on the floor

4 Republicans1 Democrat

Rep. Monica De La CruzR-TX-15 · Dec 16, 2025

Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors were added to public bills and resolutions, as follows: H.R. 116: Mr. Jack. H.R. 154: Mr. Landsman. H.R. 158: Mr. Landsman. H.R. 220: Ms. Escobar. H.R. 251: Mr.…

Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors were added to public bills and resolutions, as follows:

H.R. 116: Mr. Jack.

H.R. 154: Mr. Landsman.

H.R. 158: Mr. Landsman.

H.R. 220: Ms. Escobar.

H.R. 251: Mr. Jack.

H.R. 253: Mr. Landsman.

H.R. 282: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 349: Mr. Min and Ms. Escobar.

H.R. 397: Mr. Jeffries.

H.R. 429: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 438: Mr. Riley of New York.

H.R. 485: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 488: Ms. McDonald Rivet and Mr. Landsman.

H.R. 498: Mr. Davidson.

H.R. 516: Mr. Norman.

H.R. 520: Mr. Min.

H.R. 539: Mrs. Trahan.

H.R. 585: Mr. Riley of New York.

H.R. 718: Mr. Neguse.

H.R. 821: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 865: Mr. Riley of New York.

H.R. 869: Ms. Budzinski.

H.R. 879: Mr. Vicente Gonzalez of Texas and Ms. Balint.

H.R. 921: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 945: Ms. Bynum, Ms. McDonald Rivet, and Ms. Pingree.

H.R. 953: Mr. Min.

H.R. 1027: Mr. Subramanyam.

H.R. 1054: Ms. Budzinski.

H.R. 1055: Mr. Subramanyam.

H.R. 1078: Mr. Sessions and Mr. Davidson.

H.R. 1110: Ms. Perez.

H.R. 1162: Mr. Gill of Texas.

H.R. 1175: Ms. Balint.

H.R. 1181: Mr. Nunn of Iowa and Mr. Davidson.

H.R. 1241: Mr. Jack and Ms. Mace.

H.R. 1246: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 1254: Ms. Pingree.

H.R. 1277: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 1285: Mr. Wied.

H.R. 1329: Ms. Strickland, Ms. McBride, Mrs. Hayes, Ms.

Ansari, Mr. Crow, Ms. Gillen, Mr. Landsman, and Mr. McDowell.

H.R. 1361: Mr. Tran.

H.R. 1369: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 1394: Mr. Tonko.

H.R. 1398: Mrs. Kim.

H.R. 1404: Ms. Escobar.

H.R. 1412: Mr. Lawler.

H.R. 1421: Mr. Tran.

H.R. 1464: Mr. Thompson of California.

H.R. 1475: Mr. Neguse.

H.R. 1492: Mr. Smith of Nebraska.

H.R. 1502: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 1522: Mr. McGarvey.

H.R. 1529: Ms. Balint.

H.R. 1546: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 1564: Mr. Harder of California.

H.R. 1576: Mr. Landsman.

H.R. 1628: Ms. Salazar, Mr. Kelly of Pennsylvania, Mr.

Brecheen, Mr. Bell, and Mr. Norcross.

H.R. 1659: Mr. Riley of New York and Mr. Sorensen.

H.R. 1661: Ms. Balint and Mr. Keating.

H.R. 1695: Mr. Sorensen.

H.R. 1775: Mr. Moran.

H.R. 1810: Mr. Morelle.

H.R. 1960: Mr. Min.

H.R. 1983: Ms. Norton.

H.R. 1986: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 1991: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 1993: Mr. Crenshaw, Mrs. Hinson, and Ms. Davids of

Kansas.

H.R. 2028: Mr. Conaway.

H.R. 2036: Mr. Kean and Mr. Casten.

H.R. 2055: Ms. Morrison.

H.R. 2062: Mr. Moore of North Carolina.

H.R. 2068: Mr. Neguse.

H.R. 2094: Mr. Sorensen.

H.R. 2141: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 2152: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 2154: Mr. Landsman.

H.R. 2165: Mr. LaHood.

H.R. 2192: Mr. Nadler and Mr. Bera.

H.R. 2199: Mr. Feenstra.

H.R. 2232: Mr. Riley of New York.

H.R. 2244: Mr. Neguse.

H.R. 2253: Ms. Kamlager-Dove.

H.R. 2257: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 2315: Mr. Jack.

H.R. 2370: Mr. Landsman.

H.R. 2402: Mr. Cisneros and Ms. Sewell.

H.R. 2467: Ms. Lofgren.

H.R. 2496: Mr. Messmer.

H.R. 2531: Mr. Casar.

H.R. 2672: Mr. Min.

H.R. 2678: Ms. Dean of Pennsylvania, Ms. Ross, and Mr.

McGovern.

H.R. 2680: Ms. Budzinski.

H.R. 2703: Mr. Quigley.

H.R. 2705: Mr. Jack and Ms. Mace.

H.R. 2716: Mrs. Miller-Meeks.

H.R. 2718: Mrs. Foushee.

H.R. 2727: Ms. Escobar.

H.R. 2728: Mr. Fields.

H.R. 2731: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 2736: Ms. Johnson of Texas.

H.R. 2799: Mr. Evans of Pennsylvania.

H.R. 2829: Ms. Salinas.

H.R. 2878: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 2902: Mrs. Hayes.

H.R. 2941: Mr. Sorensen.

H.R. 2947: Ms. Simon.

H.R. 2986: Mr. Quigley.

H.R. 3028: Ms. Johnson of Texas.

H.R. 3184: Ms. Lofgren and Mr. Turner of Ohio.

H.R. 3206: Mr. Reschenthaler.

H.R. 3246: Mr. Min.

H.R. 3261: Mr. Casar.

H.R. 3277: Mr. Vasquez.

H.R. 3316: Mr. Carson.

H.R. 3333: Mr. Thanedar.

H.R. 3337: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 3350: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 3367: Ms. Budzinski.

H.R. 3447: Mr. Cline and Mr. Landsman.

H.R. 3497: Mr. Correa, Ms. Salazar, Ms. Lois Frankel of

Florida, Ms. Lee of Florida, Mr. Schmidt, and Mr.

Fitzpatrick.

H.R. 3513: Mr. Larson of Connecticut.

H.R. 3514: Mr. Menendez.

H.R. 3526: Mrs. Miller-Meeks.

H.R. 3534: Mr. Landsman.

H.R. 3565: Ms. Salinas.

H.R. 3604: Mr. Goldman of New York.

H.R. 3629: Mr. Vasquez.

H.R. 3694: Mr. Case.

H.R. 3699: Mr. Huizenga.

H.R. 3740: Ms. Balint and Ms. Lofgren.

H.R. 3791: Mr. Neguse.

H.R. 3793: Mr. Goldman of New York.

H.R. 3858: Mr. Hunt.

H.R. 3867: Mr. Rutherford.

H.R. 3868: Mr. Neal.

H.R. 3885: Ms. Lee of Nevada.

H.R. 3931: Ms. Davids of Kansas.

H.R. 3959: Mr. Sessions.

H.R. 4083: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 4130: Mr. Sessions.

H.R. 4141: Mr. Min.

H.R. 4151: Mr. Carter of Louisiana.

H.R. 4164: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 4167: Mr. Mackenzie.

H.R. 4169: Ms. Perez.

H.R. 4176: Ms. Budzinski.

H.R. 4194: Mr. Williams of Texas.

H.R. 4206: Mr. Boyle of Pennsylvania, Mr. Rutherford, and

Ms. De La Cruz.

H.R. 4231: Mr. Smith of Washington.

H.R. 4242: Mr. Murphy.

H.R. 4291: Mr. Self.

H.R. 4299: Mr. Fitzpatrick.

H.R. 4317: Mr. Joyce of Pennsylvania, Mr. Babin, and Mr.

Davis of North Carolina.

H.R. 4464: Mr. Conaway.

H.R. 4521: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 4582: Mr. Levin, Mr. Thompson of California, and Ms.

Escobar.

H.R. 4583: Mr. Levin, Mr. Thompson of California, and Ms.

Escobar.

H.R. 4585: Mr. Vasquez.

H.R. 4606: Mr. Crow.

H.R. 4611: Ms. Friedman.

H.R. 4640: Mr. Goldman of New York.

H.R. 4646: Mr. Davidson.

H.R. 4660: Mr. Harder of California and Mr. Davidson.

H.R. 4662: Mr. Takano, Mr. Whitesides, Mr. Vargas, Mr.

Lieu, Mr. Levin, Ms. Lofgren, and Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 4677: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 4710: Mr. Moran.

H.R. 4721: Mr. Neguse.

H.R. 4810: Mr. Davidson.

H.R. 4821: Mr. Neal.

H.R. 4921: Mr. Cisneros.

H.R. 4945: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 4950: Mr. Landsman.

H.R. 4982: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 4989: Mr. Davidson.

H.R. 5068: Ms. Johnson of Texas.

H.R. 5106: Mr. Langworthy.

H.R. 5235: Ms. Perez.

H.R. 5263: Mr. Davidson.

H.R. 5269: Ms. Pou and Mr. Edwards.

H.R. 5271: Ms. Ross, Mr. Raskin, Mr. Swalwell, and Mr.

Beyer.

H.R. 5282: Mr. Neguse and Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 5309: Ms. Pressley, Ms. McDonald Rivet, Ms. Pingree,

and Ms. Rivas.

H.R. 5387: Mr. Min.

H.R. 5390: Ms. Pou and Mr. Meeks.

H.R. 5415: Mr. Harrigan, Mr. Kelly of Pennsylvania, Ms.

Ross, and Mr. Thompson of Pennsylvania.

H.R. 5434: Ms. Meng, Ms. Sewell, Mr. Soto, and Ms. Pingree.

H.R. 5438: Mrs. Harshbarger and Mr. Perry.

H.R. 5461: Ms. Friedman.

H.R. 5469: Ms. McDonald Rivet and Mr. Conaway.

H.R. 5509: Ms. Gillen, Mr. Krishnamoorthi, Mr. Davis of

North Carolina, Mr. Correa, and Mrs. Luna.

H.R. 5521: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 5543: Mr. Whitesides.

H.R. 5638: Mr. Begich.

H.R. 5641: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 5767: Mr. Williams of Texas and Mr. Babin.

H.R. 5791: Ms. DelBene.

H.R. 5835: Ms. Randall.

H.R. 5861: Mrs. Dingell.

H.R. 5867: Ms. Escobar.

H.R. 5870: Mr. Obernolte.

H.R. 5910: Ms. Ansari.

H.R. 5934: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 5939: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 5940: Ms. Pingree.

H.R. 5951: Mr. Thompson of California.

H.R. 5972: Mr. Cleaver.

H.R. 5983: Ms. Jayapal.

H.R. 5993: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 6006: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 6020: Ms. Budzinski.

H.R. 6056: Mr. Crow, Mr. Aguilar, Ms. Sewell, and Mr.

Morelle.

H.R. 6093: Ms. Budzinski.

H.R. 6099: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 6108: Ms. Pingree.

H.R. 6109: Ms. Pingree.

H.R. 6110: Ms. Pingree.

H.R. 6111: Ms. Pingree.

H.R. 6119: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 6121: Mr. Owens and Ms. Norton.

H.R. 6123: Ms. King-Hinds.

H.R. 6126: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 6128: Mr. Soto.

H.R. 6130: Mr. Soto, Mr. Neguse, and Mrs. Hayes.

H.R. 6152: Mr. Min.

H.R. 6164: Mr. Aguilar.

H.R. 6170: Mr. Vindman.

H.R. 6181: Mr. Bera, Ms. Balint, Mr. Torres of New York,

and Mr. Aguilar.

H.R. 6182: Ms. Escobar.

H.R. 6213: Mr. Owens.

H.R. 6219: Mr. Smith of New Jersey.

H.R. 6228: Mr. Garcia of California.

H.R. 6231: Mr. Murphy and Ms. Brownley.

H.R. 6245: Ms. Escobar.

H.R. 6259: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 6261: Mr. Vindman.

H.R. 6268: Mr. Krishnamoorthi.

H.R. 6293: Mr. Davidson.

H.R. 6366: Mr. Obernolte and Ms. Ross.

H.R. 6422: Mr. LaLota.

H.R. 6425: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 6432: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 6434: Ms. McBride and Mr. Goldman of New York.

H.R. 6436: Mr. Vindman.

H.R. 6440: Mr. Garcia of Illinois and Ms. DelBene.

H.R. 6444: Mr. Vindman.

H.R. 6448: Ms. Plaskett.

H.R. 6449: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

H.R. 6450: Mr. Vindman.

H.R. 6468: Mr. Vindman.

H.R. 6475: Mr. Vindman.

H.R. 6498: Mr. Vindman.

H.R. 6501: Ms. Wilson of Florida.

H.R. 6521: Mr. Vargas.

H.R. 6529: Mr. Thanedar.

H.R. 6541: Mr. Davidson.

H.R. 6543: Mr. Vindman.

H.R. 6546: Mr. Davidson.

H.R. 6547: Mr. Foster and Mr. Rose.

H.R. 6550: Mr. Rose, Mr. Sessions, and Mr. Davidson.

H.R. 6551: Mr. Gottheimer.

H.R. 6552: Mr. Gottheimer, Mr. Sessions, and Mr. Davidson.

H.R. 6553: Mr. Sessions and Mr. Nunn of Iowa.

H.R. 6554: Mr. Sessions and Mr. Nunn of Iowa.

H.R. 6555: Mr. Gottheimer.

H.R. 6556: Mr. Gottheimer.

H.R. 6574: Mr. Goldman of New York, Ms. DelBene, Mr.

Subramanyam, Ms. Meng, Ms. Plaskett, Mrs. Dingell, Ms.

Pingree, Ms. Titus, and Mr. Evans of Pennsylvania.

H.R. 6597: Mrs. McClain Delaney.

H.R. 6608: Mr. Bacon.

H.R. 6624: Mr. Gill of Texas and Mrs. McClain Delaney.

H.R. 6670: Mr. Haridopolos and Mr. Goldman of New York.

H.R. 6675: Mr. Gill of Texas.

H.R. 6677: Mr. Case.

H.R. 6678: Mr. Fitzpatrick.

H.R. 6707: Mrs. Miller of West Virginia.

H.R. 6724: Mr. Mannion.

H.J. Res. 13: Ms. Bonamici.

H. Con. Res. 12: Mr. Dunn of Florida and Mr. Tran.

H. Con. Res. 64: Ms. Goodlander, Mr. Espaillat, and Ms.

Hoyle of Oregon.

H. Res. 297: Ms. Budzinski.

H. Res. 381: Mr. Conaway.

H. Res. 704: Mr. Thanedar.

H. Res. 733: Mr. Conaway.

H. Res. 843: Mr. Smith of New Jersey.

H. Res. 931: Ms. McDonald Rivet.

Rep. Mary Gay ScanlonD-PA-5 · Feb 2, 2026

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3497, the Medal of Sacrifice Act. Every year, over 100 sworn law enforcement officers and over 100…

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3497, the Medal of Sacrifice Act.

Every year, over 100 sworn law enforcement officers and over 100 firefighters die while on duty or from hazardous conditions related to their service.

While there are a number of different memorials for them, there is currently no memorial or medal that honors all public safety officers who die in the line of duty.

From 2015 to 2024, the leading causes of death for law enforcement officers were: COVID-19, job-related illness, car accidents, and shootings. These causes are responsible for 94 percent of line of duty law enforcement deaths.

I have had conversations with the families of fallen officers about their pain and struggles. They are why I worked to push forward a bipartisan bill, the Honoring Our Fallen Heroes Act, which expands disability benefits for the families of firefighters and other first responders who develop cancer because of their service.

We were able to bring 179 colleagues together on a bipartisan basis to pass this measure, which was signed into law last December, to honor sacrifice not just in remembrance but through tangible support.

In that same spirit, I think we can, and must, come together on a bipartisan basis to do more to keep officers and the communities they serve safe in the first place by: investing in public health, making our roads safer, and combating gun violence so we can keep weapons out of dangerous hands.

Finally, in addition to this recognition, I can't really imagine what is going through the minds of our colleagues on the other side of the aisle when they say they support this bill when Republican leadership in the House still hasn't complied with the 2022 law passed by this body to honor the men and women of the Capitol Police and beyond who protected and defended us and our democracy on January 6, 2021.

It is a stain upon this institution that the plaque dedicated to those officers, to their patriotism and sacrifice, has not yet been installed in the Capitol because this administration and its lapdogs in Congress think they can rewrite history to hide their betrayal and cowardice.

Is it too much for the leadership of this body to have the decency to acknowledge that the Capitol Police, the Metropolitan Police, and others saved the lives of Members of Congress on that day at great personal risk to themselves? Is it too much to say thank you?

All that said, I support this bill to award medals of sacrifice to other public safety officers who lose their lives in service to their country and their communities, and I thank them.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I endorse the comments of the sponsor of the bill. I totally agree we should be honoring the sacrifice of our public safety officers and it is right that that honoring should start from the top. I could not agree more that the President should be recognizing those public safety officers who have given all for this country, and I would put at the top of that list right now Brian Sicknick and Howard Liebengood.

Mr. Speaker, I am ready to close, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 3497, the Medal of Sacrifice Act, which would award medals to honor those who lose their lives while serving as public safety officers. I encourage my colleagues to support it, too.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Rep. Jim JordanR-OH-4 · Feb 2, 2026

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3497) to establish a medal of service for law enforcement officers and first responders, as amended. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous…

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3497) to establish a medal of service for law enforcement officers and first responders, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3497, the Medal of Sacrifice Act of 2025, honors law enforcement officers and other first responders who are killed in the line of duty. This bill authorizes the President to award a medal to those law enforcement officers and first responders.

Law enforcement officers and other first responders courageously face danger to protect American communities. While others may flee, law enforcement and first responders run toward crises.

Law enforcement officers uphold public safety by enforcing laws and maintaining order. First responders save lives during emergencies despite the risks to their own safety. These brave men and women provide essential help in times of need, embodying sacrifice for the greater good. Some law enforcement and first responders make the ultimate sacrifice in serving their communities.

In 2024, the FBI reported that 64 law enforcement personnel were murdered while on duty. That same year, another 56 law enforcement officers died because of traffic-related incidents.

The National Fire Protection Association reported that there were 62 fatalities from injuries to firefighters in the United States in 2024.

The medal of sacrifice will honor these brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving their communities.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mast), someone who has certainly sacrificed and served our country and is the chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I include in the Record an estimate from the Congressional Budget Office for this bill.

Mr. Speaker, the Medal of Sacrifice Act of 2025 is a great piece of legislation, and I hope everyone will vote for it.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Rep. Brian J. MastR-FL-21 · Feb 2, 2026

Mr. Speaker, I sincerely thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their work on this piece of legislation. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 3497, the Medal of Sacrifice…

Mr. Speaker, I sincerely thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their work on this piece of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of my bill, H.R. 3497, the Medal of Sacrifice Act. Its purpose is singular. It is of the highest importance to honor fallen law enforcement officers and first responders.

This bill, this medal, came to be in this way on November 21, 2024, because my community lost three Palm Beach County Sheriff's deputies in one moment: Deputy Ralph ``Butch'' Waller, Deputy Ignacio ``Dan'' Diaz, and Deputy Luis Paez. They were three motorcycle officers, all killed.

At their memorial service to honor them, President Trump, myself, and a few of our friends, Eric and Dan, we were having a conversation that there is no medal which is awarded posthumously to law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty directly from the Office of President and on behalf of a grateful nation. Out of this horrific tragedy, the medal of sacrifice was born.

Six months later, I had the profound honor of standing alongside President Trump in the Oval Office as he presented the first medals of sacrifice to the families of those three fallen Palm Beach County Sheriff's Deputies that were lost on that day, three lions of our community.

These men gave their lives in service each and every day. In the end, they gave the last breath in their lungs and the last beat of their heart as so many of our law enforcement and first responders across our country do each year.

There is not a recognition that can ever bring them back. There is not an award that could ever repay their sacrifice. What we can do is ensure that their courage and their service and their legacies are recognized by the highest office of our land, the Office of President.

The medal of sacrifice will ensure that when a family member, a spouse, a son, a daughter, or a department, that when they reflect on the end of watch for their friend or their hero or their loved one, they will know that it is the whole of America that remembers with them.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to send a clear message to the families who have given so much, suspend the rules, and pass the Medal of Sacrifice Act.

Sen. Thom TillisR-NC · May 11, 2026

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 3497 and that the Senate proceed to its…

Bill Text

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Enrolled BillPublication date not provided

One Hundred Nineteenth Congress of the United States of America

At the Second Session

Begun and held at the City of Washington on Saturday, the third day of January, two thousand and twenty-six

H. R. 3497

AN ACT

To establish a medal of service for law enforcement officers and first responders.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Medal of Sacrifice Act of 2025.

Medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders

(a)

Medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders

The President shall issue a medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders who were killed in the line of duty.

(b)

Eligibility

(1)

In general

A local, State, Tribal, territorial, or Federal law enforcement officer or first responder who was killed in the line of duty shall be eligible for the medal of sacrifice established under subsection (a).

(2)

Exception

(A)

In general

A local, State, Tribal, territorial, or Federal law enforcement officer or first responder who is killed in the line of duty, but who is subject to an official finding of wrongdoing, shall not be eligible for the medal of sacrifice established under subsection (a).

(B)

Investigation

In the case of an official finding of wrongdoing, the Commission established under subsection (c) shall investigate the circumstances surrounding the law enforcement officer’s or first responder’s cause of death, including considering any findings by the local, State, Tribal, territorial, or Federal agency with respect to the officer’s or responder’s death. The Commission established under subsection (c) shall make a final determination as to the officer’s eligibility for the medal established under subsection (a).

(C)

Official finding of wrongdoing

In this paragraph, the term official finding of wrongdoing means a determination by the law enforcement officer’s or first responders’ superior officer or employing law agency that the officer acted outside of the scope of their duties or not in accordance with the agency’s official policies or procedures.

(c)

Commission on medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders

(1)

Establishment

The President shall establish a Commission on the medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders (hereinafter known as the Commission).

(2)

Appointment

Not later than 150 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall appoint 12 members of the Commission. Such members shall be law enforcement officers, first responders, and representatives of organizations knowledgeable about law enforcement.

(3)

Term

Members of the Commission shall be appointed for a term of 5 years and shall be eligible to serve up to two terms, either consecutively or non-consecutively. The President shall make appointments to fill such vacancies as may occur on the Board.

(4)

Prohibition on payment

Members shall not be paid for serving on the Commission.

(5)

Responsibilities

The Commission shall—

(A)

advise the Commission on the design of the medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders;

(B)

promote the establishment of the medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders;

(C)

determine how the medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders shall be presented;

(D)

make any final determination necessary pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(B); and

(E)

advise the President regarding criteria for assessing eligibility pursuant to subsection (b).

(6)

Initial award

The Commission shall award the following law enforcement officers the medal of sacrifice:

(A)

Deputy Ralph Butch Waller (Badge #8434);

(B)

Deputy Ignacio Dan Diaz (Badge #7637); and

(C)

Deputy Luis Paez (Badge #3882).

(7)

Sunset

The Commission shall cease to exist on the date on which the President determines that the Commission has completed each responsibility under paragraph (5).

(d)

Description

The medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders shall be a modified quatrefoil, with rounded lobes extending from a central octagon. The field incorporates features of the Great Seal of the United States, redesigned by Tiffany & Co in 1885. The American eagle is charged with a coat of arms as a shield, argent, on a chevron gules between three lions rampant azure, as many chevronels argent; the crest, out of a coronet or, a double-tailed lion rampant azure, holding in its dexter paw a torch or enflamed proper; and Integritas included as a motto. Surrounding the seal are mullets, 47 in number, alternating with three rampant lions and incorporating four chevrons. In base, the word SACRIFICE is inscribed. In dexter base, three oak leaves are placed, symbolizing the national tree of the U.S., representing strength, resilience, and honoring the families and widows of the fallen. The reverse of the medal is sandblasted and bears an engraving of the names of the fallen heroes. The medal is suspended from a ribbon, either Azure or Gules depending on the fallen hero being honored. The ribbon bail is prepared and attached by hand soldering to the back of the medal. The medal is crafted from Silver Ag925 with 24k Gold Vermeil, with a weight of approximately 63 grams. It has a diameter of 2.25 inches. The Vermeil plating has a thickness of 2.5 microns. The medal combines national symbols with heraldic elements to represent the sacrifice of the fallen deputies. The use of Silver and Gold signifies the value and honor associated with their service.

Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Vice President of the United States and President of the Senate.