Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Judiciary Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill directs the President to establish a medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders. The medal is specifically intended to honor local, State, or Federal personnel who are killed in the line of duty. Eligibility for this recognition includes all such individuals, with a notable exception for those subject to an official finding of wrongdoing. To oversee the medal, the bill mandates the establishment of a Commission on Medal of Sacrifice for Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders . This Commission, comprising 12 members from law enforcement and first responder communities, will advise on the medal's design, promote its establishment, and determine presentation protocols. Crucially, the Commission is also tasked with investigating circumstances and making final eligibility determinations for individuals with an official finding of wrongdoing, defined as acting outside the scope of duties or agency policy. The bill also specifies three initial recipients for the medal. The medal itself is described in detail, featuring a modified quatrefoil design with elements from the Great Seal of the United States, including an American eagle and heraldic symbols. Crafted from Silver Ag925 with 24k Gold Vermeil, it incorporates specific imagery like oak leaves to symbolize strength and honor for fallen heroes and their families. The reverse side is sandblasted for engraving the names of the fallen, and the medal is suspended from a ribbon, with colors varying based on the honoree.
Advisory bodiesFirst responders and emergency personnelLaw enforcement officers
Medal of Sacrifice Act
USA119th CongressHR-3497| House
| Updated: 2/3/2026
This bill directs the President to establish a medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders. The medal is specifically intended to honor local, State, or Federal personnel who are killed in the line of duty. Eligibility for this recognition includes all such individuals, with a notable exception for those subject to an official finding of wrongdoing. To oversee the medal, the bill mandates the establishment of a Commission on Medal of Sacrifice for Law Enforcement Officers and First Responders . This Commission, comprising 12 members from law enforcement and first responder communities, will advise on the medal's design, promote its establishment, and determine presentation protocols. Crucially, the Commission is also tasked with investigating circumstances and making final eligibility determinations for individuals with an official finding of wrongdoing, defined as acting outside the scope of duties or agency policy. The bill also specifies three initial recipients for the medal. The medal itself is described in detail, featuring a modified quatrefoil design with elements from the Great Seal of the United States, including an American eagle and heraldic symbols. Crafted from Silver Ag925 with 24k Gold Vermeil, it incorporates specific imagery like oak leaves to symbolize strength and honor for fallen heroes and their families. The reverse side is sandblasted for engraving the names of the fallen, and the medal is suspended from a ribbon, with colors varying based on the honoree.