Brian Mast (R-FL)· Introduced May 19, 2025

Medal of Sacrifice Act

H.R. 3497 · House bill Crime and Law Enforcement

A Republican bill with 9 Democratic cosponsors · See all 36 cosponsors

Last activity May 28, 2026 — Became Public Law No: 119-94.

Became law

Passed both chambers and was signed by the President, or became law without a signature.

Nothing more in Congress: it is law. When it takes effect depends on the dates written into it — some parts start at once, others a year or more later.

Its path through Congress

Introduced
Passed House voice vote
Passed Senate unanimous consent
To President
Became Law

No one's position on it was recorded: the House by voice vote (members called out yes or no together), and the Senate by unanimous consent (no one objected, so there was no vote).

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

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

The opposite

Scored -1
Does this change how police departments operate?
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. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.

Demographic And Interest Groups: Would people in cities be better off under this? — The bill honors law enforcement and first responders who serve various jurisdictions. Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill honors the service and sacrifice of first responders and law enforcement personnel. Would white Americans be better off under this? — The bill provides honor and recognition for specific fallen deputies.
Governance And Ideology: Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The establishment of a Commission to oversee and determine eligibility creates a formal process for honoring public servants.
National Security And Foreign Policy: Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — The bill provides a formal method for honoring the sacrifice of first responders.
Social Issues And Justice: Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The medal's design includes elements intended to honor the families and widows of the fallen. Does this narrow racial gaps in how people are treated? — The bill provides formal recognition for fallen officers which can include diverse members of the community. Does this change how police departments operate? — The bill requires a Commission to investigate the circumstances of death and eligibility based on findings of wrongdoing.