Congress·Passed House·H.R. 3497

New Medal for Officers and First Responders Killed on Duty

Medal of Sacrifice Act

Legislative Progress

✓ House

Senate

President

Law

This bill tells the President to create and award a new “Medal of Sacrifice” for police officers and first responders who die while doing their jobs.
If an officer’s agency says the person acted wrongly (like breaking rules or acting outside their job), the medal would usually be denied.
A new 12-member group would be picked by the President to help design the medal, decide how it gets presented, and make final calls in disputed cases.
The group’s first awards would go to 3 named deputies: Ralph “Butch” Waller, Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, and Luis Paez.
For most people, this won’t change daily life, but for families of fallen responders it could mean national recognition—and possible debate over what counts as “wrongdoing.”

Criminal JusticeVeteransCivil Rights

4 milestones13 actions

Feb 3, 2026Senate

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Feb 2, 2026House

Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

Feb 2, 2026House

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1925-1926)

Feb 2, 2026

Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H1925-1926)

Feb 2, 2026House

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 3497.

1 bill

Medal of Sacrifice Act

Feb 3 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Medal of Sacrifice Act

Bill NumberHR 3497

Congress119th Congress

ChamberHouse of Representatives

Latest ActionReceived in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

(36)

D: 9R: 27

Congress.gov

Official legislative information

Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.