Bill · H.R. 3497· House(119-HR-3497)

Medal of Sacrifice Act

Age: 46 years

Florida

Introduced: 5/19/2025
Last activity: 5/28/2026 — Became Public Law No: 119-94.
Sponsored by: Brian Mast
Cosponsors: - 27 - 9

Crime and Law Enforcement

Introduced
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became Law

This bill was adopted into law.

What this bill would do

The Medal of Sacrifice Act of 2025 establishes a medal to honor law enforcement officers and first responders who were killed in the line of duty. The President is tasked with issuing this medal to eligible local, State, Tribal, territorial, or Federal personnel. A Commission will be created to oversee the design, promotion, and presentation of the medal. This Commission will also investigate cases where there is an official finding of wrongdoing to make a final determination on eligibility. The Act specifically identifies three deputies to receive the initial award.

Yes· 3 of 7

Would white Americans be better off under this?+1
The bill provides honor and recognition for specific fallen deputies.
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+1
The bill honors the service and sacrifice of first responders and law enforcement personnel.
Would people in cities be better off under this?+1
The bill honors law enforcement and first responders who serve various jurisdictions.

The opposite

Does this change how police departments operate?-1
The bill requires a Commission to investigate the circumstances of death and eligibility based on findings of wrongdoing.

Who it would affect, and how

Potential Positive Impacts for People

Recognition of Sacrifice: The President shall issue a medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders who were killed in the line of duty (Section 2(a)). This provides a formal way to honor those who died while serving.
Initial Honorees: The Commission is directed to award the medal to specific individuals: Deputy Ralph Butch'' Waller, Deputy Ignacio Dan'' Diaz, and Deputy Luis Paez (Section 2(c)(6)).
Symbolism of Honor: The design of the medal uses silver and gold to signify the value and honor associated with the service of the fallen (Section 2(d)).

Potential Negative Impacts for People

Exclusion due to Wrongdoing: An officer or first responder who is subject to an official finding of wrongdoing is not eligible for the medal (Section 2(b)(2)(A)).
Investigation of Death: In cases of alleged wrongdoing, a Commission must investigate the circumstances surrounding the death, which includes considering findings by the officer's specific agency (Section 2(b)(2)(B)).
Definition of Wrongdoing: Eligibility can be denied if a superior officer or agency determines the individual acted outside the scope of their duties or failed to follow official policies and procedures (Section 2(b)(2)(C)).

Groups and Interests Ranking

Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.

Demographic And Interest Groups: Good For Urban Residents+1Good For Veterans+1Good For White Americans+1
Governance And Ideology: Improves Government Transparency+1
National Security And Foreign Policy: Improves Veterans Benefits+1
Social Issues And Justice: Improves Poverty Reduction+1Improves Racial Equity+1Improves Policing Reform-1