ThePolitibase
H.R. 3497Passed Both ChambersCRIME AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

Medal of Sacrifice Act

Advisory bodies · First responders and emergency personnel · Law enforcement officers
Sponsor
Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-21]
R · FL-21
Key facts
Introduced: May 19, 2025
Chamber: House
Cosponsors: 36
Congress: 119th
Latest action · May 12, 2026
Message on Senate action sent to the House.

Summary

Medal of Sacrifice Act of 2025

This bill directs the President to issue a medal of sacrifice for eligible law enforcement officers and first responders who are killed in the line of duty.

The bill also directs the President to establish a commission on the medal of sacrifice and appoint its members. The bill sets forth responsibilities of the commission, including to advise on the design of the medal and determine how the medal will be presented.

Under the bill, eligible law enforcement officers and first responders include federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial law enforcement officers or first responders who are not subject to an official act of wrongdoing (e.g., a determination that the officer or first responder acted outside the scope of their duties or in a manner that was not in accordance with official policies or procedures).

A law enforcement officer or first responder who is subject to an official act of wrongdoing is generally not eligible for the medal of sacrifice. However, in the case of such an officer or first responder, the bill requires the commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the officer or first responder's cause of death and issue a final determination on their eligibility.

Summary by Congressional Research Service.

Timeline

  1. May 12, 2026
    Message on Senate action sent to the House.
  2. May 11, 2026
    Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S2204; text: CR S2204)
  3. May 11, 2026
    Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
  4. May 11, 2026
    Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
  5. May 11, 2026
    Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs discharged by Unanimous Consent.
  6. Feb 3, 2026
    Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
  7. Feb 2, 2026
    Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
  8. Feb 2, 2026
    On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1925-1926)
  9. Feb 2, 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)
  10. Feb 2, 2026
    DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3497.
  11. Feb 2, 2026
    Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1925-1927)
  12. Feb 2, 2026
    Mr. Jordan moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
  13. Jan 27, 2026
    Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 399.
  14. Jan 27, 2026
    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-466.
  15. Jan 27, 2026
    Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-466.
  16. Dec 18, 2025
    Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.
  17. Dec 18, 2025
    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  18. May 19, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
  19. May 19, 2025
    Introduced in House
  20. May 19, 2025
    Introduced in House

Cosponsors (showing first 30 of 36)

In the News

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