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H.R. 3497 · House bill · 119th Congress
This act directs the President to issue a medal of sacrifice for eligible law enforcement officers and first responders who are killed in the line of duty.
The act also directs the President to establish a commission on the medal of sacrifice and appoint its members. The act sets forth responsibilities of the commission, including to advise on the design of the medal and determine how the medal will be presented.
Under the act, eligible law enforcement officers and first responders include federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial law enforcement officers or first responders who are not subject to an official act of wrongdoing (e.g., a determination that the officer or first responder acted outside the scope of their duties or in a manner that was not in accordance with official policies or procedures).
A law enforcement officer or first responder who is subject to an official act of wrongdoing is generally not eligible for the medal of sacrifice. However, in the case of such an officer or first responder, the act requires the commission to investigate the circumstances surrounding the officer or first responder's cause of death and issue a final determination on their eligibility.
This Act may be cited as the “Medal of Sacrifice Act of 2025”.
(a) Medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders.— The President shall issue a medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders who were killed in the line of duty.
(b) Eligibility.—
(1) In general.— A local, State, Tribal, territorial, or Federal law enforcement officer or first responder who was killed in the line of duty shall be eligible for the medal of sacrifice established under subsection (a).
(2) Exception.—
(A) In general.— A local, State, Tribal, territorial, or Federal law enforcement officer or first responder who is killed in the line of duty, but who is subject to an official finding of wrongdoing, shall not be eligible for the medal of sacrifice established under subsection (a).
(B) Investigation.— In the case of an official finding of wrongdoing, the Commission established under subsection (c) shall investigate the circumstances surrounding the law enforcement officer’s or first responder’s cause of death, including considering any findings by the local, State, Tribal, territorial, or Federal agency with respect to the officer’s or responder’s death. The Commission established under subsection (c) shall make a final determination as to the officer’s eligibility for the medal established under subsection (a).
(C) Official finding of wrongdoing.— In this paragraph, the term official finding of wrongdoing means a determination by the law enforcement officer’s or first responders’ superior officer or employing law agency that the officer acted outside of the scope of their duties or not in accordance with the agency’s official policies or procedures.
(c) Commission on medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders.—
(1) Establishment.— The President shall establish a Commission on the medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders (hereinafter known as the “Commission”).
(2) Appointment.— Not later than 150 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the President shall appoint 12 members of the Commission. Such members shall be law enforcement officers, first responders, and representatives of organizations knowledgeable about law enforcement.
(3) Term.— Members of the Commission shall be appointed for a term of 5 years and shall be eligible to serve up to two terms, either consecutively or non-consecutively. The President shall make appointments to fill such vacancies as may occur on the Board.
(4) Prohibition on payment.— Members shall not be paid for serving on the Commission.
(5) Responsibilities.— The Commission shall—
(A) advise the Commission on the design of the medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders;
(B) promote the establishment of the medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders;
(C) determine how the medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders shall be presented;
(D) make any final determination necessary pursuant to subsection (b)(2)(B); and
(E) advise the President regarding criteria for assessing eligibility pursuant to subsection (b).
(6) Initial award.— The Commission shall award the following law enforcement officers the medal of sacrifice:
(A) Deputy Ralph “Butch” Waller (Badge #8434);
(B) Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz (Badge #7637); and
(C) Deputy Luis Paez (Badge #3882).
(7) Sunset.— The Commission shall cease to exist on the date on which the President determines that the Commission has completed each responsibility under paragraph (5).
(d) Description.— The medal of sacrifice for law enforcement officers and first responders shall be a modified quatrefoil, with rounded lobes extending from a central octagon. The field incorporates features of the Great Seal of the United States, redesigned by Tiffany & Co in 1885. The American eagle is charged with a coat of arms as a shield, argent, on a chevron gules between three lions rampant azure, as many chevronels argent; the crest, out of a coronet or, a double-tailed lion rampant azure, holding in its dexter paw a torch or enflamed proper; and “Integritas” included as a motto. Surrounding the seal are mullets, 47 in number, alternating with three rampant lions and incorporating four chevrons. In base, the word “SACRIFICE” is inscribed. In dexter base, three oak leaves are placed, symbolizing the national tree of the U.S., representing strength, resilience, and honoring the families and widows of the fallen. The reverse of the medal is sandblasted and bears an engraving of the names of the fallen heroes. The medal is suspended from a ribbon, either Azure or Gules depending on the fallen hero being honored. The ribbon bail is prepared and attached by hand soldering to the back of the medal. The medal is crafted from Silver Ag925 with 24k Gold Vermeil, with a weight of approximately 63 grams. It has a diameter of 2.25 inches. The Vermeil plating has a thickness of 2.5 microns. The medal combines national symbols with heraldic elements to represent the sacrifice of the fallen deputies. The use of Silver and Gold signifies the value and honor associated with their service.