[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 3497 Introduced in House (IH)]
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119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 3497
To establish a medal of service for law enforcement officers and first
responders.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
May 19, 2025
Mr. Mast introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on the Judiciary
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To establish a medal of service for law enforcement officers and first
responders.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Medal of Sacrifice Act''.
SEC. 2. MEDAL OF SACRIFICE FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS AND FIRST
RESPONDERS.
(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, 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, 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, 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; and
(D) make any final determination necessary pursuant
to subsection (b)(2)(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 (4).
(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.
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