H.R. 3497: Medal of Sacrifice Act
Sponsor
Brian Mast
Republican · FL-21
Bill Progress
Latest Action · Feb 3, 2026
Passed the House, received in Senate
Why it matters
Honors sacrifice as national first responder deaths remain high.
If signed into law, the Medal of Sacrifice Act would direct the President to award a new medal to law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty. This is meant to formally recognize and memorialize the risks police, firefighters, EMTs, and others face every day serving their communities. The push comes as high-profile attacks and fatalities among public safety workers remain a national concern.
Not everyone is eligible: The law explicitly denies the medal if an official investigation finds the responder committed wrongdoing in the line of duty. The act covers all levels — from local cops and firefighters to federal agents and tribal police. The bill cruised through the House with big bipartisan support (36+ co-sponsors), showing lawmakers’ eagerness to publicly honor service and sacrifice.
There’s no mention in the text of direct money or aid to families, only an official medal and national recognition. Still, supporters argue the symbolism matters — offering comfort to grieving families and sending a message of respect to those still serving. Expect debate over what counts as 'wrongdoing' and who makes that call.
What does H.R. 3497 do?
Creates a Medal of Sacrifice
Directs the President to award an official medal to law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty.
Nationwide Coverage
Covers local, state, tribal, territorial, and federal law enforcement and first responders.
Wrongdoing Disqualification
Bars anyone found to have committed official wrongdoing from receiving the medal.
Presidential Role
The President is directly responsible for awarding the medal.
Posthumous Award
Medal goes only to those who died in the line of duty.
Who benefits from H.R. 3497?
Families of Fallen Officers
Receive formal national recognition and honor for their loved ones’ sacrifice.
Law Enforcement Officers
Gain national acknowledgment and added respect for the risks they take.
First Responders (firefighters, EMTs, etc.)
Are recognized alongside police for their service and sacrifice.
Communities Served
See public acknowledgment of sacrifices by local heroes.
Who is affected by H.R. 3497?
Fallen Public Safety Workers’ Families
Gain official recognition but not direct financial help.
First Responders with Disciplinary Findings
Are disqualified from being honored if found guilty of wrongdoing.
Federal, State, Local, Tribal Governments
May engage with families and the White House in the medal process.
Law Enforcement and First Responder Agencies
See their members’ sacrifices highlighted on a national stage.
H.R. 3497 Common Questions
Which first responders would get the Medal of Sacrifice under HR 3497?
Under the Medal of Sacrifice Act of 2025 (Sec. 2), local, State, Tribal, territorial, and Federal law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty are eligible.
Can a police officer be denied the Medal of Sacrifice for wrongdoing?
Yes. Under the Medal of Sacrifice Act of 2025 (Sec. 2), an officer or responder is ineligible if there is an official finding of wrongdoing related to acting outside duties or against agency policy.
Who decides Medal of Sacrifice eligibility if there is a finding of wrongdoing?
According to HR 3497 Sec. 2, the Commission on the medal of sacrifice investigates the death circumstances and makes the final eligibility decision in wrongdoing cases.
Does the Medal of Sacrifice Act cover tribal and territorial officers?
Yes. Under the Medal of Sacrifice Act of 2025 (Sec. 2), Tribal and territorial law enforcement officers and first responders are expressly included if killed in the line of duty.
How many members are on the Medal of Sacrifice commission?
According to HR 3497 Sec. 2, the President must appoint a 12-member Commission on the medal of sacrifice.
How long does the President have to create the Medal of Sacrifice commission?
Under the Medal of Sacrifice Act of 2025 (Sec. 2), the President must establish the commission no later than 150 days after enactment.
Can Medal of Sacrifice commission members be paid?
No. According to HR 3497 Sec. 2, commission members serve without pay.
How long can someone serve on the Medal of Sacrifice commission?
Under the Medal of Sacrifice Act of 2025 (Sec. 2), members serve 5-year terms and may serve no more than two terms, whether consecutive or not.
Which fallen deputies are named as the first Medal of Sacrifice recipients?
According to HR 3497 Sec. 2, the initial awardees are Deputy Ralph “Butch” Waller, Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, and Deputy Luis Paez.
What are the size and metal specs for the Medal of Sacrifice?
Under the Medal of Sacrifice Act of 2025 (Sec. 2), the medal is about 2.25 inches wide, weighs about 63 grams, and is made of silver Ag925 with 24k Gold Vermeil.
Based on H.R. 3497 bill text
HR3497 Legislative Journey
Committee Action
Feb 3, 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
House: Vote: 1925-1926
Feb 2, 2026
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1925-1926)
House: Committee Action
Jan 27, 2026
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-466.
House: Vote Held
Dec 18, 2025
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.
House: Committee Action
May 19, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
About the Sponsor
Brian Mast
Republican, Florida's 21st congressional district · 9 years in Congress
Committees: Foreign Affairs, Transportation and Infrastructure
View full profile →
Cosponsors (36)
This bill has 36 cosponsors: 9 Democrats, 27 Republicans, reflecting bipartisan support. Cosponsors represent 17 states: California, Florida, Indiana, and 14 more.
David Taylor
Republican · OH
Tony Gonzales
Republican · TX
Byron Donalds
Republican · FL
Jared Moskowitz
Democrat · FL
Daniel Webster
Republican · FL
Brandon Gill
Republican · TX
Scott Fitzgerald
Republican · WI
Clay Higgins
Republican · LA
Bryan Steil
Republican · WI
Tom Barrett
Republican · MI
Victoria Spartz
Republican · IN
Neal Dunn
Republican · FL
Committee Sponsors
Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
0 of 15 committee members cosponsored
No committee members have cosponsored this bill
Judiciary Committee
9 of 44 committee members cosponsored
26 Republicans across these committees haven't cosponsored yet. Mobilize their constituents
H.R. 3497 Quick Facts
- Committee
- Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Crime and Law Enforcement
- Introduced
- May 19, 2025
Passed the House, received in Senate
Feb 3, 2026
Constituent Resources
Official Sources
Official bill page with full text, cosponsors, actions, and committee referrals for the Medal of Sacrifice Act of 2025.
Senate version introduced by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) on the same day the House passed HR 3497, referred to the Senate HSGAC committee.
Official Senate press release announcing Graham's introduction of the companion bill, including endorsements from the National Police Association and Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association.
Sponsor's statement on House passage, explaining the bill was inspired by three Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies killed in the line of duty.
DOJ Bureau of Justice Assistance program providing death and education benefits to survivors of fallen officers and first responders — the existing federal benefit framework this medal would complement.
U.S. Fire Administration annual data on firefighter line-of-duty deaths, tracking 72 on-duty fatalities in 2024 — the first responder death toll that motivates this legislation.
The Senate committee where both HR 3497 and S 3765 are currently referred, chaired by Sen. Rand Paul — the next stop for this legislation.
H.R. 3497 Bill Text
“To establish a medal of service for law enforcement officers and first responders.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
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