Analyst Brief March 25, 2026

H.R. 3497 — Medal of Sacrifice Act, as amended

Current Status

Reported with an amendment

Executive Summary

H.R. 3497 aims to create a medal of service for law enforcement officers and first responders. This bill directs the President to issue a medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty. It also establishes a commission to oversee the medal's design and eligibility criteria. The bill addresses a perceived gap in recognizing the sacrifices made by these individuals.

Bill Data

Primary Sponsor

Mr. MAST

Bill Number

H. R. 3497

Session

119th

Co-Sponsors

None
View on Congress.gov ↗

Arguments For

  • Argument 1: Provides tangible recognition for the sacrifices of law enforcement and first responders, boosting morale and public perception.
  • Argument 2: Offers a bipartisan opportunity to demonstrate support for public safety personnel.
  • Argument 3: The medal's design incorporates national symbols, reinforcing patriotism and civic pride.

Likely Supporters

Law Enforcement AssociationsFirst Responder Organizations

Arguments Against

  • Argument 1: The definition of 'wrongdoing' could be contentious and lead to disputes over eligibility.
  • Argument 2: The cost of creating and awarding the medals, while likely modest, could be questioned by fiscal conservatives.
  • Argument 3: The establishment of a commission adds another layer of bureaucracy.

Likely Opponents

None specified

📋 Key Provisions

  • Establishes a medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders killed in the line of duty.
  • Creates a commission to determine the design and eligibility criteria for the medal.
  • Specifies initial award recipients.
  • Defines eligibility criteria, including exceptions for officers found to have engaged in wrongdoing.
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Claim Analysis Page 3, Line 9-11

The President shall issue a medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders who were killed in the line of duty.

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"The President shall issue a medal"

Claim Analysis Page 4, Line 21-24

A commission will be established to oversee the medal of sacrifice.

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"COMMISSION ON MEDAL OF SACRIFICE FOR"

Claim Analysis Page 4, Line 13-20

The bill defines 'official finding of wrongdoing'.

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"(C) OFFICIAL FINDING OF WRONGDOING.—"

Claim Analysis Page 7, Line 17

The medal will be crafted from Silver Ag925 with 24k Gold Vermeil.

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"crafted from Silver Ag925 with"

Claim Analysis Page 6, Line 24-25

The medal will incorporate features of the Great Seal of the United States.

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"features of the Great Seal of"