Bill · H.R. 8973· House(119-HR-8973)
Sergeant Rafael Peralta Medal of Honor Authorization Act
- Introduced
- 5/21/2026
- Last activity
- 5/21/2026 — Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- Sponsored by
- Darrell Issa
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the Sergeant Rafael Peralta Medal of Honor Authorization Act, seeks to authorize the President to award the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Rafael Peralta. The legislation notes that during Operation Iraqi Freedom on November 15, 2004, Sergeant Peralta was mortally wounded while leading Marines during a house-clearing operation in Fallujah. According to the bill, he intentionally pulled an enemy grenade beneath his body to shield fellow Marines from the blast. This act is described as conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty. The Act allows for this award notwithstanding existing time limitations in the United States Code.
Yes
Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this?+5
The bill honors the valor of Sergeant Rafael Peralta, a Hispanic service member.
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?+5
The bill honors the sacrifice of a fallen Marine and addresses the obligation to recognize extraordinary heroism.
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?+5
The bill provides posthumous recognition and the highest military honor to a fallen service member.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Recognition of Heroism: The bill provides for the President to award the Medal of Honor to Sergeant Rafael Peralta for his specific acts of valor in Fallujah, Iraq (Section 3, subsection a). This ensures that his sacrifice and the lives he saved are officially recognized (Section 2, subsection a).
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Addressing Administrative Barriers: The bill authorizes the award regardless of any time limitations specified in title 10 of the United States Code (Section 3, subsection a). This fulfills what Congress considers a "solemn obligation" to ensure extraordinary heroism receives full consideration despite administrative delays (Section 2, subsection b).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts are explicitly stated in the provided text.
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 Hispanic Americans+5Good For Veterans+5
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves Veterans Benefits+5
- 5/21/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Armed Services.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Juan VargasDemocrat · California