Medal of Sacrifice Act (H.R. 3497)

Summary

Establishes a special medal to honor police officers and other first responders who have died while doing their jobs.

What problem does this solve?

There was no specific national award to recognize law enforcement and first responders who die in the line of duty. This law creates the Medal of Sacrifice to give them and their families a formal honor from the nation.

What does this law do?

Creates the Medal of Sacrifice

Establishes a new medal to be given by the President to law enforcement officers and first responders who were killed in the line of duty.

Establishes a review commission

Creates a 12-member commission, appointed by the President, to oversee the medal's design, presentation, and eligibility rules.

Defines who is eligible

Allows any local, State, Tribal, territorial, or Federal law enforcement officer or first responder killed on duty to receive the medal.

Excludes those with findings of wrongdoing

An officer is not eligible if their agency found they acted improperly, unless a special commission investigates and decides otherwise.

Names the first recipients

Names Deputy Ralph 'Butch' Waller, Deputy Ignacio 'Dan' Diaz, and Deputy Luis Paez as the first officers to be awarded the medal.

Details the medal's design

Provides a very specific description of the medal's appearance, materials (silver and gold), and symbolism, including an American eagle and oak leaves.

Who does this affect?

Families of fallen first responders and law enforcement
Law enforcement agencies
First responder organizations

What is the real world impact?

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Honors fallen heroes

Provides a formal way for the nation to recognize the ultimate sacrifice made by law enforcement officers and first responders who are killed while protecting their communities.

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Boosts morale for current officers

Shows public support and appreciation for the dangerous work that law enforcement and first responders do, which can help improve morale within these professions.

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Creates a process for denying honors

Includes a rule that an officer with an "official finding of wrongdoing" is not eligible. A special commission investigates these cases, which could lead to controversy over who is considered a hero.

When does this start?

The law takes effect on May 28, 2026, and includes a deadline for creating a new commission.

Commission appointments

The President must appoint 12 members to the Commission on the Medal of Sacrifice within 150 days of the law's enactment.