Technical corrections only. v6 updates the enrolled bill (v5) to its Public Law format, including the addition of U.S. Code citations, legislative notes, approval date, and legislative history. No substantive policy changes were made between the two versions.
Medal of Sacrifice Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-21]
- Committees
- Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (primary)
- Last action
- May 28, 2026
Bottom line
This Act creates a national medal to honor law enforcement officers and first responders who die in the line of duty, with a commission to oversee its implementation and eligibility, including a process for reviewing cases of alleged wrongdoing.
What it actually does
This Act establishes a national 'Medal of Sacrifice' to honor law enforcement officers and first responders who are killed in the line of duty. It creates a 12-member Commission to advise on the medal's design, promotion, and presentation, and to determine eligibility, especially in cases involving alleged wrongdoing. The Act also names three initial recipients of the medal.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill provides long-overdue national recognition and honor for the ultimate sacrifice made by law enforcement officers and first responders, offering a tangible symbol of gratitude to their families and acknowledging their critical role in public safety. They contend it fills a gap in federal honors for these essential public servants.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the sentiment is noble, the creation of a new federal commission and medal adds to bureaucratic overhead without addressing underlying systemic issues faced by first responders. Some might also raise concerns about the 'official finding of wrongdoing' exception and the Commission's power to make final eligibility determinations, potentially leading to subjective or politically influenced decisions in sensitive cases.
The bill is very short and easily digestible, allowing ample time for a thorough understanding of its provisions.
Section 2(a)
Creation of the Medal of Sacrifice
This provision mandates the President to issue a 'Medal of Sacrifice' specifically for local, State, Tribal, territorial, or Federal law enforcement officers and first responders who are killed while performing their duties. It establishes the medal as a national honor for those who make the ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities and the nation.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this medal fills a gap in national recognition for the unique sacrifices made by law enforcement and first responders, providing a meaningful tribute to their service and comfort to their grieving families. It acknowledges the profound debt of gratitude owed to these individuals.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against the concept of honoring fallen heroes, though some might question the necessity of a new medal when other forms of recognition, such as the Public Safety Officer Medal of Valor, already exist.
Tradeoffs
The primary tension is balancing the desire for broad recognition with the need for specific, meaningful criteria to ensure the medal's prestige and avoid duplication of existing honors.
Section 2(b)
Eligibility Criteria and Exception for Wrongdoing
This section defines eligibility for the medal to include any local, State, Tribal, territorial, or Federal law enforcement officer or first responder killed in the line of duty. Crucially, it establishes an exception: those subject to an 'official finding of wrongdoing' are ineligible. The newly formed Commission is tasked with investigating such cases and making a final determination on eligibility, defining 'official finding of wrongdoing' as acting outside the scope of duties or agency policy.
Section 2(c)
Establishment and Responsibilities of the Commission
This provision establishes a 12-member Commission, appointed by the President, consisting of law enforcement officers, first responders, and representatives of relevant organizations. The Commission's responsibilities include advising on medal design, promoting its establishment, determining presentation methods, making final eligibility determinations in cases of alleged wrongdoing, and advising on eligibility criteria. Members serve 5-year terms, are eligible for two terms, and are unpaid.
Section 2(c)(6)
Designation of Initial Medal Recipients
This provision explicitly names three individuals as the initial recipients of the Medal of Sacrifice: Deputy Ralph 'Butch' Waller (Badge #8434), Deputy Ignacio 'Dan' Diaz (Badge #7637), and Deputy Luis Paez (Badge #3882). This ensures that the first awards are made promptly upon the Commission's establishment, providing immediate recognition to specific fallen heroes.