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H.R. 3497: Medal of Sacrifice Act

The Medal of Sacrifice Act aims to establish a special medal to honor law enforcement officers and first responders who lose their lives while serving in the line of duty. Here is a breakdown of the bill's main components:

Recognition of Service

The bill mandates that the President shall issue a medal, termed the "medal of sacrifice," specifically for law enforcement officers and first responders who are killed in the line of duty.

Eligibility Criteria

  • General Eligibility: Individuals who qualify for the medal include local, state, or federal law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty.
  • Exception for Wrongdoing: If a law enforcement officer or first responder is found to have acted in violation of their duties or agency's policies at the time of their death, they will not be eligible for the medal.
    • The circumstances surrounding such deaths will be investigated by a specially established commission to decide eligibility.

Establishment of the Commission

A Commission will be formed to oversee the medal's design and implementation. This Commission will:

  • Be composed of 12 members, appointed by the President, including law enforcement officials, first responders, and representatives from relevant organizations.
  • Members will serve five-year terms and will not be compensated for their service.
  • Assist in promotional activities for the medal and determine its presentation details.

Initial Awards

The Commission is directed to award the first medals of sacrifice to three named deputy officers who were killed in the line of duty. These individuals are:

  • Deputy Ralph “Butch” Waller (Badge #8434)
  • Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz (Badge #7637)
  • Deputy Luis Paez (Badge #3882)

Design of the Medal

The medal will feature a unique design, including:

  • A modified quatrefoil shape with components of the Great Seal of the United States.
  • Symbols of strength and resilience, including the American eagle and three oak leaves.
  • Inscriptions such as the word “SACRIFICE” and the motto “Integritas.”
  • The medal will be made from Silver Ag925 and have 24k Gold Vermeil plating.

Commission Termination

The Commission will cease to exist once the President determines that it has fulfilled all its responsibilities regarding the medal.

Relevant Companies

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This is an AI-generated summary of the bill text. There may be mistakes.

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Sponsors

37 bill sponsors

Actions

13 actions

Date Action
Feb. 03, 2026 Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Feb. 02, 2026 Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1925-1927)
Feb. 02, 2026 DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3497.
Feb. 02, 2026 Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Feb. 02, 2026 Mr. Jordan moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Feb. 02, 2026 On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1925-1926)
Feb. 02, 2026 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)
Jan. 27, 2026 Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 399.
Jan. 27, 2026 Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-466.
Dec. 18, 2025 Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Dec. 18, 2025 Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.
May. 19, 2025 Introduced in House
May. 19, 2025 Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

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