A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Medal of Sacrifice Act aims to establish a special medal for law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty. This includes local, State, Tribal, territorial, or Federal personnel. The President will oversee the issuance of the medal and the establishment of a Commission to manage its implementation. The Commission will consist of 12 members including law enforcement officers and first responders. A specific set of deputies will receive the initial awards. The Act also outlines the detailed design and physical composition of the medal itself.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +1
Would veterans be better off under this, taking everything together?
The bill provides high-level honors for those in public safety roles including first responders.
- Scored +1
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?
The establishment of a Commission to oversee the award process provides a formal structure for recognition.
- Scored +1
Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive?
While not for military veterans, the bill honors first responders who serve the public similarly.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Recognition for Fallen Heroes: The President shall issue a medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty, which serves to honor their service (Section 2(a)).
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Initial Awards for Specific Deputies: The Commission is directed to award the medal to Deputy Ralph "Butch" Waller, Deputy Ignacio "Dan" Diaz, and Deputy Luis Paez (Section 2(c)(6)).
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Meaningful Symbolism: The design of the medal incorporates elements like oak leaves to represent strength, resilience, and the honoring of families and widows of the fallen (Section 2(d)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Ineligibility Due to Official Findings: A law enforcement officer or first responder who is killed in the line of duty but is subject to an official finding of wrongdoing will not be eligible for the medal (Section 2(b)(2)(A)).
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Discretionary Determination of Wrongdoing: An official finding of wrongdoing is defined as a determination by a superior officer or agency that the individual acted outside the scope of their duties or not in accordance with official policies or procedures (Section 2(b)(2)(C)).
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Investigation of Circumstances: The Commission is tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the cause of death for those subject to a finding of wrongdoing to make a final determination on eligibility (Section 2(b)(2)(B)).
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 veterans be better off under this, taking everything together? — The bill provides high-level honors for those in public safety roles including first responders.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The establishment of a Commission to oversee the award process provides a formal structure for recognition.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Does this increase the pay, pensions or support veterans receive? — While not for military veterans, the bill honors first responders who serve the public similarly.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — The bill provides symbolic recognition rather than direct economic relief.
- 2/3/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Catherine Cortez MastoDemocrat · Nevada